TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) — A Buhl resident has pleaded guilty to a felony charge of sturgeon poaching in 5th District Court.

Thirty-one-year-old Thomas Withers entered his plea Monday. He faces up to five years in prison and a $50,000 fine, but prosecutors agreed to recommend a suspended sentence of three years in prison, five years' probation and loss of his fishing license in exchange for his guilty plea.

Withers was accused of catching three sturgeon from the Snake River in June and keeping them in his bathtub while he tried to figure out how to fillet them. Idaho Fish and Game officials told the court that after he couldn't figure it out, he dumped the fish in a nearby ditch.

Harvesting sturgeon is illegal in Idaho.

___

Information from: The Times-News