Commercial Fisherman Receives Punishment in Chickamauga Lake Case

DAYTON --- A Dayton, Tenn. commercial fisherman has pled guilty to three counts of illegal possession of wildlife resulting in arrests made by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency wildlife officers on Chickamauga Lake.

 

William “Bill” Sligh pleaded guilty to the three counts in Rhea County Criminal Court. He was ordered to pay $970 in fines and court costs and was placed on 18 months of supervised probation. Sligh also must serve 100 hours of community service.

 

Acting on a tip, TWRA wildlife officers observed the violation of commercial fishing regulations including unlawful placement of nets, killing sportfish and possession of several catfish of more than 34 inches of length. Tennessee law allows the possession of one catfish of more than 34 inches in length.

 

Rhea County Wildlife Officer Brian Letner and Meigs County Wildlife Officer Chris Combs initially began the investigation. They were later assisted by wildlife officers Burton Capps, Jeff Bishop, and Phillip Earhart.

 

---TWRA---