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Court accepts guilty plea in turtle poaching case
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Posted on Aug 17 2011
A man accused of poaching a green sea turtle in 2010 pleaded guilty Tuesday as part of a plea deal and was sentenced to six months in prison, all suspended except for three months.
Vicente A. Sablan was given credit for time served and will be placed on three years of probation after serving his sentence.
Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo also required Sablan to pay a $500 fine, forfeit the fishing gear he used to take the turtle, and perform 200 hours of community service. He shall not fish or apply for a fishing license, or board any boats for the duration of his probationary period.
Sablan admitted that, on Sept. 9, 2010, he knowingly and willingly removed a green sea turtle from the ocean to the land of the CNMI, violating administrative regulations and laws of the CNMI.
Chief Prosecutor Michael Ernest said the Office of the Attorney General is pleased with the conviction and credits several individuals and organizations for this success.
“This is yet another of numerous convictions which directly result from the great job done by the conservation officers and inspectors from the Department of Lands and Natural Resources. The CNMI has a Joint Enforcement Agreement with NOAA regarding policing endangered species crimes” Ernest said, “and we appreciate its continued support and cooperation.”
Fish and Wildlife officers were reportedly tipped off to the poaching by a concerned citizen.
“Community involvement is essential to our efforts and I encourage anyone who has information of a violation of the Endangered Species Act or Commonwealth law to contact DPS or DLNR-DFW as soon as possible” Ernest said. “We are fortunate that we have a dedicated team of law enforcement officers and attorneys who take environmental matters seriously.”
