Hook, line and sinker: Fisherman gets week in jail for cheating in tournament
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A Minnesota fisherman long suspected of cheating at tournaments has reportedly hooked an unwanted catch — a week in jail.
The Park Rapids Enterprise reports that Alfred Mead, 72, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of theft by swindle on May 20 for bringing two previously captured fish into the Park Rapid American Legion Community Fishing Derby on Feb. 2.
“Your conduct had a major impact on these [fishing tournaments],” Judge Robert Tiffany told Mead. “I hope you realize the seriousness of your conduct.”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Cheating, Tiffany said, “takes the enjoyment and joy out of it for those who bring their kids” and honest participants.
Mead, who has two prior gaming convictions and a decade-long trail of suspicious tournament winnings, is to report to the Hubbard County jail in one week, the newspaper reports.
Mead also will receive four years’ probation and a $200 fine. He is also barred from the Legion Club for the length of his probation.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Mead had faced a maximum penalty of five years in jail and/or a $10,000 fine. He admitted catching two northern pike at another lake and bringing them to the American Legion tournament. His fishing and hunting privileges were also revoked for two years.