Ohio Division of Wildlife got $82,000 from the sale.
A fishing boat that was seized after two fishermen were caught cheating in a 2022 tournament at Lake Erie has been sold in an online auction.
During the walleye tournament in 2022, the two were caught adding weights and other fish to their fish count.
Ohio Division of Wildlife got $82,000 from the sale, and the buyer will have to pay another $14,000 in fees and taxes. The boat was seized from 37-year-old Chase Cominsky of Heritage, Pennsylvania. Cominsky and 44-year-old Jacob Runyan of Ashtabula were convicted of felony cheating and misdemeanor animal ownership charges.
Cominsky and Runyan were convicted of felony cheating and misdemeanor animal ownership charges.
During the walleye tournament in 2022, the two were caught adding weights and other fish to their fish count that they turned in to be weighed. The Ohio Division of Wildlife will use the money to buy a patrol vessel for Lake Erie.
July 25, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife announced that the fishing boat seized from Chase Cominsky, 37, of Hermitage, Pa., was sold through an online auction Tuesday. Cominsky and Jacob Runyan, 44, of Ashtabula, were convicted in May 2023 of felony cheating and misdemeanor animal ownership charges.
The forfeited boat, a 22-foot Ranger, was sold in an online auction that closed on Tuesday, July 23. The winning bid for the boat was $82,000 with a final price of $96,288.50 including fees and taxes. The boat was offered for sale with its motors and trailer.
With this money, the Division of Wildlife will purchase a new Lake Erie law enforcement patrol vessel for Ohio Wildlife Officers.
In 2022, the Division of Wildlife received a report of individuals cheating during a walleye fishing tournament in Cleveland. The resulting investigation seized a boat, motors, and trailer and penalties included a three-year fishing license revocation for both individuals.
Ohio wildlife officers have statewide authority to enforce wildlife regulations and protect state lands, waterways, and property. As state law enforcement officers, they contribute to public safety in their local areas and Ohio’s great outdoors. They also speak to hundreds of clubs and groups about conservation and wildlife programs, perform fish and wildlife surveys, and provide technical advice and instruction about wildlife management issues, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor related recreation.
Anyone who witnesses a wildlife violation in Ohio can call 1-800-POACHER (1-800-762-2437). Reports are kept anonymous.
