California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Marine Management News

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 15, 2014

Two Santa Barbara County Men Arrested for Felony Fish Theft

Two commercial fishermen were arrested by California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) officers early Sunday morning in Santa Barbara Harbor on felony charges of conspiracy and grand theft.


John Wilson, 53, of Santa Ynez and Kai Griffin, 23, of Buellton, both licensed commercial fishermen, are being charged with stealing live rock crabs from fellow commercial fishermen and stealing from commercial fish markets at the commercial dock in Santa Barbara Harbor. Wildlife officers allege that the pair then sold the crabs, along with several other illegally landed species, at the Hollywood Farmer's Market.


"Thanks to some good tips from the fishing community and good, solid police work, we were able to catch the suspects and stop these illegal sales," said CDFW Lt. Wes Boyle.


Wardens had received reports from commercial fishermen and two Santa Barbara fish markets regarding stolen rock crabs and other assorted species. The thefts were said to be occurring in the early morning hours. During the two-month-long investigation, the subjects were observed stealing live rock crabs from receivers in Santa Barbara Harbor and then selling them at the Farmer's Market. The investigation also showed that the subjects were selling sea urchins, Kellet's whelks (out of season), live rock crabs and clawed rock crabs that were illegally landed.


The suspects were booked into Santa Barbara County Jail, and charges will be filed with the county District Attorney.



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California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Marine Region
20 Lower Ragsdale Dr. Suite 100
Monterey CA 93940