The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife recently sold a fishing boat that was previously seized from Chase Cominsky, a 37-year-old resident of Hermitage, Pennsylvania. The 22-foot Ranger boat was involved in a highly publicized cheating scandal and was sold through an online auction that came to an end on Tuesday, July 23rd.
The boat was successfully sold for a grand total of $96,288.50, which includes the winning bid of $82,000 for the boat along with its motors and trailer, and additional fees and taxes.
In May 2023, Chase Cominsky and Jacob Runyan, aged 44 from Ashtabula, were found guilty of felony cheating and misdemeanor animal ownership in connection to the Cleveland walleye fishing tournament scandal of 2022. The investigation concluded with the confiscation of their boat, motors, and trailer, and both men were subjected to a three-year revocation of their fishing licenses.
The Division of Wildlife plans to utilize the funds raised from the auction to procure a new law enforcement patrol vessel for Ohio Wildlife Officers. This acquisition will significantly bolster the Division’s capacity to patrol and enforce regulations on state waters, particularly Lake Erie.
Wildlife officers in Ohio are instrumental in protecting the state’s precious natural resources. They hold the power to enforce wildlife regulations, safeguard state lands, and contribute to local public safety. In addition to this, they also play a significant role in educating the public on conservation and wildlife programs, conducting surveys of fish and wildlife, and imparting guidance on outdoor recreation.
Ohio’s Division is dedicated to using its resources effectively for wildlife conservation and law enforcement efforts. The sale of the boat is a clear indication of this commitment.