COLUMBUS JUNCTION, Iowa – Three southeast Iowa men face more than $2,600 in fines and civil penalties after being charged with 19 fishing violations on Wednesday.

Daniel L. Wehmeyer, 49, and Eric L. Pugh, 21, both of Columbus Junction, and Harlan L. Warnstaff, 47, of Conesville, were charged following an investigation into illegal fishing activity on the Cedar River in Louisa County on Sunday.

On Aug. 2, conservation officers with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources investigated a complaint of individuals shocking fish with electricity on the Cedar River north of Columbus Junction. Officers contacted the three men at a private residence and seized two electrofishing devices along with six catfish.

The three men were charged with six counts each of taking catfish with electricity. In addition, Wehmeyer faces an additional charge of not having a valid fishing license. Wehmeyer and Warnstaff are scheduled to appear in Louisa County Magistrate Court on Aug. 12. Pugh faces an Aug. 19 court date.

The charges against the three men are merely accusations and all three individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.



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