‘Sophisticated fish trafficker’ gets year in prison, but it’s no ‘bald eagle’

‘Sophisticated fish trafficker’ gets year in prison, but it’s no ‘bald eagle’

Source: mynewsla

2/17/2016

A former West Hills resident who attempted to export a protected South American air-breathing fish species into Canada from the United States without the proper permits was sentenced Wednesday to a year in federal prison.

The defendant’s attorney downplayed the importance of the protected species, calling it “kind of a garbage fish.” But the attorney’s claims that the fish is no “bald eagle” were apparently ignored in the judge’s sentencing decision.

Isaac Zimerman, a 66-year-old U.S. citizen, apologized to the court, saying he was “very sorry. I beg (you) to allow me to remain free.” U.S. District Judge Otis Wright II wasn’t swayed, and granted the government’s sentencing request for a year behind bars, which included an enhancement for fleeing prosecution after Zimerman was charged seven years ago.
The judge ordered Zimerman into federal custody immediately after the sentence was imposed, as shocked family members looked on.

Defense attorney Mark Werksman attempted to object, but was cut off by Wright, who snapped, “Is there something unclear about what I just said?”

Zimerman was extradited from Mexico last September to face charges contained in a 13-count indictment charging him with running an international fish trafficking operation.

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