Mark Menendez is back home in Kentucky now, but said Tuesday he’s been in regular contact with investigators from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation since he filed a complaint about an incident that occurred last Friday on day 2 of the St. Lawrence River Elite Series (to read our reporting, click here).
The name of the person who Menendez alleged to have harassed him from shore and from a boat during the tournament has yet to be released by the NYS DEC as the matter is still under investigation.
A DEC official confirmed to BassFan the incident is an active criminal investigation, pending criminal charges, but declined to comment further.
Section 11-0110-2(b) of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law, the relevant law in this matter, reads as follows:
Sec. 11-0110. Interference with lawful taking of wildlife prohibited.
2. A person is guilty of interfering with the lawful taking of wildlife when, with intent to prevent the taking of wildlife, in season, in a place where hunting, fishing or trapping is lawful, and by a person properly licensed to take such wildlife, he:
(b) follows the licensed person in or about such place and engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts which alarm or seriously annoy such licensed person and which serve no legitimate purpose.
The offense is considered a violation and carries a fine up to $250 and/or up to 15 days in jail.
Meanwhile, Menendez said he’s appreciative of the encouragement he’s received since he decided to pursue the matter.
“You cannot believe the overwhelming response and support I’ve received through this situation on Facebook and through text messages and phone calls,” Menendez said. “I really appreciate everyone’s warm statements about doing the right thing. That’s what we try to teach our kids – you have to do the right thing in life.”
