NEWPORT, Ore. -- The company involved in a Depoe Bay fishing license scam has been sentenced to refund customers and pay state agencies almost $100,000 in restitution.
The Oregonian reports Tradewinds of Depoe Bay, Inc. pleaded guilty to felony racketeering. Owners Timothy and Julie Harmon pleaded guilty alongside their daughter Eva to violating a state wildlife law.
An Oregon State Police news release says the Harmons have agreed to sell the company and permanently leave Oregon's fishing charter industry.
Police say Tradewinds Charters charged customers for daily angling licenses, but never bought them from the Department of Fish and Wildlife and never provided an actual license to customers.
There were initially 10 arrests stemming from an investigation into the actions of the charter company in Depoe Bay, back in July of last year. Company owners, employees and some charter boat captains were charged with racketeering. Five of the 10 also faced theft charges and all are accused of violating Oregon wildlife laws.
