WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The highest ranking sturgeon biologist in the state of Wisconsin has been convicted of obstructing a warden in connection with an investigation into illegally processing sturgeon eggs into caviar.
Ryan Koenigs, 36, has been ordered to pay a $50 fine after pleading no contest in Winnebago County.
The DNR says Koenigs is still suspending pending an internal review.
Koenigs was charged in connection with a larger investigation into the processing of sturgeon eggs into caviar.
Turning sturgeon eggs into caviar is something many in the spearing community say has been happening for years in Wisconsin. A Fond du Lac couple, Mary and Victor Schneider, reached a plea deal on charges related to caviar production. A Fond du Lac bartender, Shawn Wendt, faces similar counts for also allegedly keeping some the caviar he processed as payment.
While legal to pay someone to process sturgeon eggs into caviar, it is illegal to barter or trade such services for a portion of the product.
Koenigs also faces an obstruction charge in Calumet County for allegedly lying to investigators. He is due back in court in that case on July 1.
This story has been updated to clarify Koenigs’ employment situation.
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