Windsor police arrest man for huge illegal abalone haul from Elk, many undersized
The following is a press release from the city of Windsor
Windsor Deputy Apprehends alled Abalone Poacher
February 26th at approximately 10:30pm, a Windsor Police Department Deputy contacted the subjects of an occupied vehicle on the 700 block of Shiloh Rd. The deputy learned the male driver identified as Jason Ramos (46) from Santa Rosa was on active Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) and misdemeanor probation. Ramos was detained without incident to complete a compliance check pursuant to his PRCS terms. It was also learned Ramos had two outstanding misdemeanor warrants issued from Lake and Mendocino Counties.
The passenger of the vehicle was contacted and identified as Nichole Lee (35) from Santa Rosa. As she was being escorted, the deputy inquired if she was in possession of anything illegal and she divulged she had methamphetamine and associated drug paraphernalia. The deputy detained Lee to continue his investigation.
During the search of the vehicle, methamphetamine, numerous hypodermic needles, and other associated paraphernalia were located. A continued search of the vehicle located approximately 35 live abalone, a northwestern pond turtle, wet clothing, and tools used to remove the abalone from rocks. The deputy contacted Fish and Wildlife Officers, and they assisted with the investigation. Ramos admitted to poaching the abalone near the town of Elk in Mendocino County. Ramos stated he picked the abalone for personal consumption.
Red abalone is a large, edible sea snail native to California. The harvesting of abalone has been a long-standing tradition for indigenous communities and recreational harvesters. Abalone are considered a delicacy and has long been a target of poachers. There is an extensive black market which pays poachers a premium for illegally taking the abalone. The recreational harvesting of abalone was closed permanently in 2017 due to catastrophic environmental stressors. This decimated the abalone population which have an extremely slow reproductive rate. Any illegal taking of abalone harms the population and the return of recreational harvest.
Ramos and Lee were both transported and booked at the Sonoma County Jail. Ramos was booked for his outstanding warrants, 3455(a) PC -Felony PRCS Violation 1203.2 PC -Violation of probation, and 2002 FG- Possess creature unlawfully taken.
Due to the condition of the abalone and location, unfortunately they could not be returned to their natural habitat and were disposed of. The pond turtle was turned over to animal control and returned to the wild.
Lee was booked 11377(a) HS- Possession of controlled substance.
Windsor Case Number: WI250226-009
Prepared by:
Sgt. Jason Little
