$10,500 In Fines For Contravening Endangered Species Act
Three Toronto men have been fined a total of $10,500 for charges related to harvesting and possessing an endangered plant species on private land.
Jong Hak Lee, Joe Yeal Yu and Seong Gon Lee all pleaded guilty to possessing wild American Ginseng in contravention of the Endangered Species Act and were fined $2,000 each. All three men also pleaded guilty to entering on posted private land in contravention of the Trespass to Property Act and were fined $500 each. Jong Hak Lee pleaded guilty to the additional charge of taking wild American Ginseng in contravention of the Endangered Species Act and was fined $3,000.
Court heard that on September 18, 2009, the three men were found in possession of a large number of freshly harvested wild American Ginseng plants, a protected endangered species in Ontario. Court also heard the Ginseng plants were harvested on posted private property south of Minden.
Justice of the Peace Diane Jackson heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Minden, on March 4, 2010.
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Mike Ladouceur, Bancroft District, 613-332-3940, Ext. 238
Steve Murray, Minden Area Office, 705-286-5213
