source: dailynews.com
MANHUNT: Piranhas, stingrays are among protected species alleged to have been trafficked.
By C.J. Lin, Staff Writer
Posted: 08/05/2010 07:35:17 PM PDT
Updated: 08/05/2010 07:48:29 PM PDT
Authorities on Thursday offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a West Hills, CA man accused of smuggling protected wildlife such as piranhas from Peru.
Isaac Zimerman, 61, is on the lam after failing to appear for a court hearing on July 12 for multiple charges involving the smuggling and trafficking of protected fish such as fresh water stingrays and arapaima, a South American species that can grow up to 7 to 9 feet and is considered one of the largest freshwater fish in the world.
Investigators believe Zimerman may have fled the area as early as June 21 and may try to leave the country if he has not already.
The price of a piranha can range from $25 to $600, while stingrays range between $800 to $2,500, according to Erin Dean, resident agent in charge of the Fish and Wildlife Service's Office of Law Enforcement. Arapaimas cost upwards of $70.
"Smuggling protected species into and out of the U.S. is a serious crime," Dean said. "We intend to locate Mr. Zimerman so he can face the crimes he's been charged with."
Zimerman was indicted last August along with his wife and his Hawthorne-based company, River Wonders, on 13 charges of conspiracy, illegal fish trafficking, smuggling fish into the U.S., falsifying documents and obstructing an investigation by the Fish and Wildlife Service. He continued smuggling fish while free on bond in the case, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Most of the counts carry a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
His wife, Leonore Catalina Zimerman, pleaded guilty in June to illegal fish trafficking. She is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 20.
Zimerman also owns Da Tien Pets in Gardena, and used his companies to sell, import and export live fish and some reptiles, according to investigators.
Piranhas and fresh water stingrays are considered invasive species that could pose a threat to humans if released in temperate waters and become established. Possession of those species is illegal in California and in most southern states.
Arapaimas are allowed in the pet trade but are regulated to prevent them from becoming an endangered species, Dean said. Zimerman was apparently dealing without permits, she said.
Anyone with information about Zimerman's whereabouts should call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement at 310-678-4901.
MANHUNT: Piranhas, stingrays are among protected species alleged to have been trafficked.
By C.J. Lin, Staff Writer
Posted: 08/05/2010 07:35:17 PM PDT
Updated: 08/05/2010 07:48:29 PM PDT
Authorities on Thursday offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a West Hills, CA man accused of smuggling protected wildlife such as piranhas from Peru.
Isaac Zimerman, 61, is on the lam after failing to appear for a court hearing on July 12 for multiple charges involving the smuggling and trafficking of protected fish such as fresh water stingrays and arapaima, a South American species that can grow up to 7 to 9 feet and is considered one of the largest freshwater fish in the world.
Investigators believe Zimerman may have fled the area as early as June 21 and may try to leave the country if he has not already.
The price of a piranha can range from $25 to $600, while stingrays range between $800 to $2,500, according to Erin Dean, resident agent in charge of the Fish and Wildlife Service's Office of Law Enforcement. Arapaimas cost upwards of $70.
"Smuggling protected species into and out of the U.S. is a serious crime," Dean said. "We intend to locate Mr. Zimerman so he can face the crimes he's been charged with."
Zimerman was indicted last August along with his wife and his Hawthorne-based company, River Wonders, on 13 charges of conspiracy, illegal fish trafficking, smuggling fish into the U.S., falsifying documents and obstructing an investigation by the Fish and Wildlife Service. He continued smuggling fish while free on bond in the case, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Most of the counts carry a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
His wife, Leonore Catalina Zimerman, pleaded guilty in June to illegal fish trafficking. She is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 20.
Zimerman also owns Da Tien Pets in Gardena, and used his companies to sell, import and export live fish and some reptiles, according to investigators.
Piranhas and fresh water stingrays are considered invasive species that could pose a threat to humans if released in temperate waters and become established. Possession of those species is illegal in California and in most southern states.
Arapaimas are allowed in the pet trade but are regulated to prevent them from becoming an endangered species, Dean said. Zimerman was apparently dealing without permits, she said.
Anyone with information about Zimerman's whereabouts should call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement at 310-678-4901.
