Massachusetts Man Pleads to Illegal Striped Bass Fishing in Point Judith

WAKEFIELD – A Massachusetts man was ordered to pay fines after pleading no contest in Washington County Superior Court to charges of over-fishing striped bass in Point Judith.

Albert W. Reeves, 47, of 254 Winthrop St., Rehoboth, MA, pleaded no contest on April 12 to Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Police charges of selling seafood without a license and violating DEM rules.

Superior Court Associate Justice Jeffrey A. Lanphear ordered Reeves to pay $1,000 in fines and $135 in assessments.

According to RIDEM police reports included in court records, Reeves was arrested after an undercover investigation at the Point Judith boat ramp. Police said they had received complaints from other fishermen about Reeves over-fishing.

Police said in August 2010, they did a spot check of Reeves’ boat. An initial search of his boat revealed just eight striped bass, which is within the legal limit – Reeves claimed that he had been fishing with three other people, and state law allows two fish per person.

However, additional searching by police revealed that there was a hidden compartment underneath Reeves’ main fish storage box. Police found an additional 11 bass there, with the total weight of 19 bass coming in at 435 pounds.

According to police, when they found the hidden compartment, Reeves said, “You got me.” Police said the search of Reeves’ boat also revealed receipts for striped bass sales to fish wholesalers in Massachusetts.

Police said the bass was confiscated and donated to the Amos House in Providence. The Amos House is a non-profit social services agency that helps the homeless and poor of Rhode Island.