New Bedford Scallop Captain Sues Government

A former captain of a New Bedford scallop vessel, driven out of business by what an independent investigator called excessive and unfair penalties by fishery police is suing the federal government.  The suit by Larry Yacubian seeks unspecified damages for lost wages, lost property and emotional damages allegedly caused by noaa and its law enforcement team....

A special report later revealed noaa law enforcment personnel were using money collected from fishermen for expensive cars and trips to confefrences in exotic locations.  Yacubian was refunded $400,000 in fines in 2011 and received apologies from top federal officials. But he said that didn't compensate him for a malicious prosecution that destroyed his life's work.  Yacubian's attorney says the suit will likely take two years or longer to see thru.