California grandfather cited after grandson fishes in closed Crooked Creek waters

Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited a California grandfather Thursday after his 13-year-old grandson was found fishing in closed waters at the mouth of Crooked Creek. Troopers contacted Scott Cathey, 70, and his grandson Levi, 13, at approximately 7:48 p.m. on July 9. Scott was cited because he was supervising Levi, who was fishing in the closed area; Levi, as a minor, was not cited.

Any charges reported in this dispatch are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Scott received a strict liability citation for fishing in closed waters. Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations state that "a person who violates a provision of 5 AAC 42 -- 5 AAC 77 is strictly liable for the offense, regardless of that person s intent," and Alaska law makes it unlawful to cast, drift, or place a hook, bait, lure, or fly into waters closed to sport fishing. Alaska guidance directs anglers to check seasons and closures before fishing and to consult ADF&G or Alaska Wildlife Troopers when in doubt.