An Indiana man has pleaded guilty to illegally importing live catfish into Illinois with a permit.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says Michael Sullivan brought in 26-hundred pounds of the live fish that had been purchased in Mississippi and Alabama and deposited them into a lake in Plainfield. Permits to import fish are free, but require that the fish be inspected for disease. DNR says live catfish can contain a disease that can decimate fish populations.
Sullivan received 24 months of court supervision and must perform 30 hours of community service. In addition, he was ordered to pay more than $10,000 in restitution and a $227 fine.
