For Release: January 7, 1998

Contact: Stephen Hall 277-2284

Stephanie Powell 277-2771 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE - As a result of an investigation by the Department of Environmental Management's Division of Law Enforcement, Dominick Ventre, 39, of 73 South Road, Narragansett, today was sentenced to one year at the Adult Correctional Institutions, suspended, with one year's probation and restitution, and fined $100 and court costs for receiving stolen goods. He also was fined $100 and court costs for selling lobsters without a license. Ventre pleaded no contest to both charges in Fourth Division Court.

Ventre was seen selling the 128 pounds of lobsters to Ferry Wharf Fish Market in Point Judith December 12 by Sgt. Michael Longtin and Officer Edward Cabral of DEM's enforcement staff, and, when questioned by them, admitted he had no license to sell. The lobsters were subsequently found to have been stolen December 11 from Jeffrey Jordon of Narragansett and Mark Jones of Wakefield from their lobster storage facility next to a local dock where they were unloading lobsters from their boat. DEM officers were aware of the theft when they questioned Ventre, for it had already been reported to Narragansett Police.

DEM Officer Frances Ethier assisted Longtin and Cabral in the subsequent investigation that led to today's court action.

To protect the integrity of the lobster industry, DEM conservation officers routinely check dealers and boat landings.