An operation by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is expected to bring multiple felony charges involving the harvest of catfish.
A ten-month operation called “Operation River Raid” has identified 25 individuals on violations of illegal commercial harvest and sale of catfish from public waters.
Authorities allege the defendants failed to report the harvest of more than 300,000 pounds of catfish, a clear violation of Kentucky law.
The enforcement spanned from Paducah to Ashland, and represents one of the most significant cases of illegal harvesting and distribution in recent state history.
More than 700 criminal charges are anticipated in six counties, which includes Marshall.
In those charges are more than 100 felony counts to be presented to grand juries.
Fish and Wildlife officials say the harvested catfish was sold to unregulated or illegally operated pay lakes.
