Carl Bachtel  

Created: 10/22/2007 3:10:17 PM

Updated:10/22/2007 3:19:43 PM

GATES MILLS, Ohio - Steelhead trout poachers caught and convicted after posting illegal activity online.

Two steelhead poachers who posted their illegal activity online for the world to see were convicted recently in Lyndhurst Municipal Court, according to the ODNR Division of Wildlife.
Judge Mary Kaye Bozza found Philippe Jullien, 25, a resident of France, and Joseph Iacobucci, 57, of Gates Mills, guilty poaching steelhead from a tributary of the Chagrin River in Cuyahoga County.


Jullien was charged with two counts of taking steelhead with the use of a net and one count of fishing without a license. He received a $250 fine with $50 suspended on terms of good behavior. Iacobucci was charged with aiding Jullien in the unlawful taking of steelhead. He was ordered to pay a $250 fine. Both men received 30-day suspended jail sentences.


"We are pleased to see that Judge Bozza does not take poaching lightly in Cuyahoga County," stated Doug Miller, Division of Wildlife law enforcement supervisor in northeast Ohio. "Steelhead are prized game fish and regulations protecting these resources are strictly enforced."


A home video of the illegal activity, which took place in March 2007, was posted on the popular YouTube video sharing Web site where it was discovered by viewers and brought to the attention of Division of Wildlife officials.


For more information on fishing laws go to the website linked below or call 1-800-WILDLIFE to request the free 2007-2008 Ohio Fishing Regulations brochure. Wildlife violations can be reported anonymously by calling the Turn In a Poacher hotline at 1-800-POACHER; or by submitting a TIP electronically at the ODNR website listed below.