A Dover-Foxcroft has pleaded guilty to four charges of possessing and selling fish over the legal limit and has been fined $2,960.

Mark Cox, 38, of Dover-Foxcroft plead guilty on December 7, 2009, in Dover-Foxcroft District Court on charges stemming from an illegal fishing investigation conducted in August 2009.

According to Maine Warden Service Captain Dan Scott, Mr. Cox plead guilty to two counts of Possessing Over the Legal Limit of Brook Trout. On one occasion during the investigation, Mr. Cox had 41 fish over his limit and on a second occasion he had 21 fish over his limit. Cox was assessed two fines — $920 for the first offense and $520 for the second offense.

Additionally, Mr. Cox plead guilty to the counts of selling 46 brook trout and possessing live fish. He was assessed fines of $1,020 for the first violation and $500 for the second violation.

In August 2009, approximately a dozen Maine Game Wardens executed a search warrant at Mr. Cox’s Dover-Foxcroft residence. The warrant was the result of a 7-day investigation into the illegal take and sale of fish in the Piscataquis County area.

Game Wardens conducted surveillance of Mr. Cox and his associates for multiple nights and days leading up to the warrant. During that time, numerous violations were documented, including the illegal take, possession and sale of brook trout.

Upon executing the warrant, Game Wardens seized fishing equipment, cameras, a computer, both live and frozen fish, drug paraphernalia, cash and a vehicle from Mr. Cox’s residence. Analysis of that evidence led to the execution of additional search warrants which are part of ongoing investigations. The Maine Warden Service cannot comment on those investigations.

MWS Captain Scott stated that Mr. Cox is facing license and permit suspensions once the final report and charge disposition is filed with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin.

Captain Scott commended the continued positive working relationship between the Maine Warden Service and the Piscataquis County District Attorney’s Office. “The time and attention that District Attorney Chris Almy afforded to Maine Warden Service investigatiors are indicative of his continued support to our mission of protecting Maine’s fish and wildlife resources,” said Scott. “The substantial fines in this case demonstrate the high value that we and the people of Maine place upon our natural resources.”

The original complaint regarding this illegal take and sale of brook trout originated through the Maine Warden Service’s Operation Game Thief program. People with information regarding fish and wildlife violations are encouraged to call 1-800-ALERT-US or go to www.maineogt.org. Tipsters can remain anonymous.