BRUNSWICK MAN CONVICTED OF FISHING WITHOUT A LICENSE
AND DETERRING WILDLIFE OFFICERS
WELLINGTON, OH – An annual fishing license in the Buckeye State costs a mere $19 for most Ohioans, but one man paid a lot more trying to beat the system, according to ODNR Division of Wildlife officials.
Jason Karsten, 28, of Brunswick was convicted of fishing without a license and deterring wildlife officers. When Mr. Karsten and his wife were initially contacted by officers performing routine license checks at Findley State Park, Mrs. Karsten admitted to fishing without a license and was written a ticket totaling $90 with court costs included. Mr. Karsten failed to admit that he did not have a fishing license and after subsequent conversations, forced the wildlife officers to research the state’s license information system. Karsten did not purchase a fishing license for the 2008-2009 season.
Karsten was convicted in Oberlin Municipal Court by Judge Thomas A. Januzzi and ordered to pay $590 in fines, fees, and costs and ordered to perform 25 hours of community service.
“Had Mr. Karsten admitted right away that he did not purchase a fishing license, the wildlife officers would have simply written him a ticket and continued on with their evening. Unfortunately, he wasted the officers time by lying excessively and trying to outsmart us,” said Doug Miller, law enforcement supervisor for northeast Ohio. “We appreciate that Judge Januzzi realized the gravity of this offense,” noted Miller.