Two Utah men are now convicted felons after admitting to cheating in order to win a Lake Powell bass fishing tournament in 2018.
Robert Dennett, 45, and Kamron Wootton, 35, pleaded guilty in Kane County on August 27. The Washington City men pled to one count of third-degree felony bribery or threat to influence a contest. Additionally, they received a misdemeanor charge of unlawful release of wildlife and unlawful captivity of protected wildlife.
Charging documents show that both Dennett and Wootton “captured, or intentionally aided a co-defendant in capturing several bass fish from the Quail Lake Reservoir without the proper authorization or permits and then transported the fish to Lake Powell.”
The two men took the largemouth bass from Quail Lake Reservoir. Then they turned them in at the Lake Powell bass fishing contest. Furthermore, their intent was to influence the outcome of the tournament, documents stated.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources conservation officers were tipped off about the illegal activity on Oct. 21, 2018. They received a report through the UTIP hotline that led them to the two suspects.
Lake Powell bass fishing tournament organizers noticed that certain fish turned in by the two men looked out of place. In fact, their fish looked very different from the other bass turned in during the tournament, according to the DWR press release.
The convicted men must complete 48 hours of community service, pay a $2500 fine, and received two-years probation for cheating. In addition, the two men are under a plea of abeyance. That means after they successfully finish all sentencing requirements, the charges will be dismissed.
Other Largemouth Bass Stories in the News
Earlier this month, news broke about a 6-year-old boy who saw a largemouth bass swimming in a creek, and made it his mission to catch it. The young man named Kasen accomplished his goal when he reeled in the huge fish that was almost as big as he was. The bass fish Kasen caught was around 8 pounds, and almost stretched the length of him.
Kasen has a Youtube channel and Instagram page that highlights his fishing achievements. The young boy earned 2nd place in the Ike Foundation’s tournament and 1st place in the South Division.
It sounds like the two convicted felons could learn a thing or two from from the 6-year-old.
[H/T ABC4.com]
