Undercover Operation Nabs Illegal Fish Sales In Upstate New York

A Hudson Valley resident is accused of selling freshly caught fish.

On Thursday, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation released its latest "Environmental Conservation Police on Patrol" report.

Illegal Commercialization of Trout - Orange County

Last month, a Deerpark, New York pleaded not guilty in Deerpark Town Court to charges related to the illegal commercialization of trout.

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"The arraignment followed a months-long investigation stemming from a tip alleging the subject was selling trout by the Neversink River in Orange County. ECOs confirmed the operation by going to the individual's social media page where the subject had posted prices, information about fish preparation, and instructions on where and when to meet up for purchases," the DEC stated in a press release.

Undercover Operation Nabs Illegal Fish Seller In Orange County, New York

Investigators then set up an undercover operation and purchased wild trout in vacuum-sealed bags and freshly caught brook trout from the subject, according to the DEC.

A search warrant was executed at the unnamed person's home after the undercover purchase. Police seized about 40 pounds of trout valued at $745, the DEC reports.

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"It is illegal to sell trout in New York State, as well as Atlantic salmon, black bass, walleye, muskellunge, and venison," the DEC said.