Attorney: Fish 'fed to bears in custody'

DEPUTY EDITOR

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What happened to the fish caught by Clovis's famous fisherman Bounchanh Bounsombath last year has remained a mystery … until now.

According to Bounsombath's lawyer Michael Garrett, his 1,622 fish were fed to bears in custody “someplace.”

“They (New Mexico) have a bear park someplace,” Garrett said. “All of the fish went to the bear park.”

According to records obtained at Magistrate Court, Bounsombath consistently exceeded the bag limit on fish from March through May, and allegedly sold fish at two food markets in Clovis.

“While at the market, (a witness) told me he watched Mr. Bounsombath sell trout to a female who was working in the store,” the sworn report states. “He told me he was under the impression she was purchasing the fish to resell in the market.”

According to records, other area fishermen reported seeing Bounsombath selling fish to markets as well, but the information could not be verified.

“He did not sell (his fish),” Garrett said. “They took pictures of him catching them, and he honestly caught every single one.”

When asked if he knew how Bounsombath was going to pay $8,000 in fines, Garrett said he did not ask him.

“It's very unfortunate that this happens,” Garrett said. “On the other hand, he's a very good person, and I feel for him. But, we had to deal with it and we did.”

Bounsombath declined to comment when contacted at his home.