Sitka resident 26-year-old Jacob P Laduke appeared in court on Tuesday in a plea deal with Sitka District Attorney's office and pled guilty to one count of Tampering with Subsistence Shellfish Gear and one count of Theft III.

As a result of the plea deal, Laduke received a fine of $2,000 with $1,500 suspended 30 days in jail with 25 suspended, and 40 hours of community work service that must be completed by January 17, 2014. He also received a probation sentence of one year during which time he cannot operate shellfish gear or be in a location where shellfish gear is being operated. In addition, Laduke must pay $50 restitution to the state of Alaska for the crab pot stolen during the offense.

It was earlier this month on December 2nd, that Laduke was observed by Wildlife troopers as he pulled and stole a crab pot, line and buoy. Troopers contacted Laduke and a portion of the gear was recovered from Laduke’s residence. But, according to troopers, “Laduke intentionally caused the pot to be lost and unrecoverable at the time of the theft.”

As a result of the plea deal, a charge of Criminal Mischief was dismissed.