For Release: October 2, 1998

Contact: Steven Hall 222-2284

PROVIDENCE - A West Warwick man, who pled no contest, was fined $650 and court costs Wednesday, September 30, in Fourth District Court, Wakefield for possession of 199 undersized quahogs. The charge against Ricky Henault, 35, of 30 Lexington Avenue, West Warwick, was brought by law enforcement officers from the Department of Environmental Management after they were called in by South Kingstown police September 10.

Henault, who has a history of 28 prior convictions, including assault on a DEM law enforcement officer and several involving illegal shellfishing, such as shellfishing at night, was fined the maximum amount under shellfishing laws by Judge Higgins.

"Hundreds of Rhode Islanders depend on shellfishing for their livelihood," said Steven Hall, Chief of DEM's Office of Law Enforcement. "Commercial shellfishing is an important industry in Rhode Island, contributing millions of dollars each year to the economy of the state. It is important to all who make their living from shellfishing that we take action against those who ignore the laws that were put into place to protect the species and support its growth."

As a result of the same incident, John P. Myatt, 21, of 1108 Main Street, West Warwick, also on September 30, pled no contest to the charges and was fined $130 by Judge Michael Higgins of Fourth District Court, Wakefield.

Both Henault and Myatt have commercial shellfishing licenses.