Trio charged with illegal commercial fishing

MDWFP officers discover ‘slat box’ on Black Creek in George County

Three Lucedale men face charges of commercial fishing violations on Black Creek following an investigation by conservation officers with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

According to the MDWFP, Henry Overstreet, 27, Danny Bradley, 46, and Andrew Bradley, 26, all of Lucedale, were charged with commercial fishing in a closed area, no commercial fishing licenses, illegal possession of fish and multiple boating safety violations. These subjects could face additional charges once the investigation is complete.

Black Creek flows through several counties in Southeast Mississippi beginning in Lamar County and ending where it joins the Pascagoula River in George County. Included in the National Wild and Scenic River System, it is a popular stream for visitors using canoes, kayaks and tubes who enjoy the scenery of the DeSoto National Forest.

It is open to recreational fishing but commercial fishing is illegal.

The MDWFP seized a “slat box” in its investigation. Colonel Steve Adcock, chief of enforcement for MDWFP, said Friday that catfish were involved and confiscated.

“We will continue to work areas where these illegal actions are taking place,” Adcock said in an agency press release. “Conservation Officers will do everything in their power to ensure Mississippi’s natural resources are protected and that those who violate the law will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.”