Posted on 11/17/2015 6:53:16 AM PST by w1n1
A former West Hills - San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles - man was arrested for wildlife trafficking charges. The fish in question were exotic South American Arapaima gigas.
Isaac Zimerman, a 66-year-old American citizen, was extradited from Mexico in September to face charges contained in a 13-count indictment. Prosecutors said he used his now-defunct company, Hawthorne-based River Wonders LLC, to import Araapaima gigas, which can sometimes grow to 15 feet in length and have been known to leap from the water to catch low-flying birds, along with nearly 900 piranhas and dozens of river stingrays into the United States.
In his plea agreement, Zimerman admitted possessing those fish in California, which were advertised for sale and shipped to customers in states outside of California. The indictment also contained allegations that Zimerman engaged in additional criminal conduct related to the falsification of documents, obstruction of proceedings, false statements and smuggling of protected Arapaima gigas from Peru while on pre-trial release. Read the rest of the story here.
Oh no!...OMG! I’m so upset by this. Such treachery and villainy!
That’s a really big South American fish. Typically 6-7ft but specimens to 15ft.
This critter would wreak havoc on our waters.
He should have claimed that the fish were “refugees”- he would have been handsomely rewarded with my money
the goby has screwed great lakes fishing...particularly bass and the Asian carp has done the same in the Mississippi and others....this would be a fun one IMO....its not like our fishery isn't already adulterated
“the goby has screwed great lakes fishing...particularly bass and the Asian carp has done the same in the Mississippi and others....this would be a fun one IMO....its not like our fishery isn’t already adulterated “
Watched a show last night about people fishing the Mississippi to get rid of the carp. Apparently they taste better than the local fish.
Well, I feel safer now.
Dump him in a tank of 900 piranhas and call it justice done.
heck fry em up and serve them to prison inmates and school kids
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