Isaac Zimerman, 61. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Motor Vehicles) |
LOS ANGELES -- Authorities are searching for a man suspected of smuggling protected wildlife species, including piranhas.
61 year old Isaac Zimerman of West Hills missed his July 12 court hearing to face 13 charges, including conspiracy, illegal fish trafficking, and smuggling fish into the United States, according to Erin Dean of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement
Zimerman is accused of importing and selling live piranhas and fresh water stingrays, which are both illegal to own or sell in California.
Both are considered invasive species that pose a threat to humans and native species if released into California's temperate waters, or any other region with a warm climate.
Zimerman and his wife operated out of his Hawthorne-based company, River Wonders, as well as Da Tien Pets in Gardena, according to Dean.
He allegedly used both companies to sell, import and export live fish and some reptiles for the pet trade.
A warrant was issued for Zimerman's arrest, but officials believe he may be trying to flee the county, if he hasn't already.
Zimerman's wife, Leonore Catalina Zimerman, pleaded guilty in June to illegal fish trafficking and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 20.
Most of the 13 felony counts Zimerman faces carry statutory maximum sentences of five years in federal prison.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering an unspecified reward to anyone who provides information leading to Zimerman's arrest.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Office of Law Enforcement in Los Angeles at 310-678-4901.
61 year old Isaac Zimerman of West Hills missed his July 12 court hearing to face 13 charges, including conspiracy, illegal fish trafficking, and smuggling fish into the United States, according to Erin Dean of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement
Zimerman is accused of importing and selling live piranhas and fresh water stingrays, which are both illegal to own or sell in California.
Both are considered invasive species that pose a threat to humans and native species if released into California's temperate waters, or any other region with a warm climate.
Zimerman and his wife operated out of his Hawthorne-based company, River Wonders, as well as Da Tien Pets in Gardena, according to Dean.
He allegedly used both companies to sell, import and export live fish and some reptiles for the pet trade.
A warrant was issued for Zimerman's arrest, but officials believe he may be trying to flee the county, if he hasn't already.
Zimerman's wife, Leonore Catalina Zimerman, pleaded guilty in June to illegal fish trafficking and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 20.
Most of the 13 felony counts Zimerman faces carry statutory maximum sentences of five years in federal prison.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering an unspecified reward to anyone who provides information leading to Zimerman's arrest.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Office of Law Enforcement in Los Angeles at 310-678-4901.
