The VMA's stance on The Basement Breeder

[Erik]

Yesterday at our board membership meeting, we discussed the situation at length. I met with Randy and he presented me with his investigation on Rob Hintze's reports. Unfortunately, Randy was not able to find evidence to corroborate Rob's story that he filed necessary reports with the authorities of fish and game before he decided to take matters into his own hands. The authorities that Rob supplied to Randy stated that they indeed talked with him, but only after the fact. That was not to say that he has not filed a report prior to the incident, but that the report is sealed and at the state's Attorney General's office and will not be opened until his court date of April 9th. However, the names that Rob gave Randy did not speak to him BEFORE the incident. It was our interpretation that if he HAD spoken to someone before the incident, he would've given us those names and they would indeed acknowledge that he had approached them prior.

I also had a phone call with Jim at Noah's Ark. He said that due to legal reasons, he could not comment on the situation, but wished that Rob's posts be deleted because they could be considered evidence in the case against him. The Vermont Marine Aquarists does not want to be involved. Rob put the club in a position that those posts needed to be moved (not removed) in case they are used for evidence.

It was the decision of the group to have Rob removed from the forum at least until his court date of April 9th. He had been asked not to comment on the situation not only on our forum, but also at the TFCB meeting, but did not heed my advice and continued to post on our board. For that reason, we cannot guarantee that he will not comment further until his court hearing. This club cannot support anyone that puts us in a potentially sticky legal situation with our local fish keeping community.

Thank you for your understanding and your input.
-Erik

[Erik]

Just as a follow up...
Rob has supplied the VMA with documentation of the incident as request by the VMA's board.
Rob's current status with the board is active.

-Erik

[fishfarmer]

Rob is also complying with his community service with Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.