Game wardens say illegal seafood network uncovered in Houston

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The man who was once affiliated with popular Houston restaurants Ruggles Green and Ruggles Black has been accused of operating an illegal seafood network within the city.

According to a Texas Parks & Wildlife press release, Bruce Molzan purchased and sold illegal finfish off the menus at Ruggles Green and Ruggles Black and profited more than $400,000.

A two-year investigation revealed that the illegal network had been ongoing since at least 2013 and could be the largest of its kind in Texas history, game wardens say.

"The illegal catches were made by a web of about a dozen unlicensed commercial fishermen and sold to the restaurants. Their catches consisted primarily of highly-regulated red snapper, along with other protected game fish species, including tuna, amberjack, grouper and red drum," according to the press release.

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration has filed felony charges against two recreational anglers in Freeport possibly involved with the case.

The investigation expanded last April after U.S. Coast Guard crews stopped an unlicensed fishing boat near Freeport with nearly 500 red snappers that weighed about 1,900 pounds. The fish were seized by the National Marine Fisheries and state game wardens, which were illegally caught in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Freeport and Galveston. Investigators linked the subjects with the illegal operation.

"This is a big deal and exemplifies the critically important work our Texas game wardens do to protect the state's natural resources," said Col. Craig Hunter, TPWD law enforcement director. "Not only did these unscrupulous actors violate recreational fishing regulations at an extreme level for personal profit, but they also circumvented restrictions and rules governing the possession, safe handling and sale of commercial aquatic products intended for human consumption. That is not something we in law enforcement will tolerate and we are confident these individuals will be prosecuted to the fullest extent the law allows."

The current owners of Ruggles Green say Molzan does not have any association with their restaurant. "After Hargett Hunter purchased Ruggles Green on October 1, 2016, Mr. Molzan has not had any affiliation with the company and we are not involved in his legal matters." A spokesperson for Hargett Hunter added, "We are disheartened to hear about the investigation. Since acquiring the restaurant, we have ensured lawful and sustainable practices. We are proud of the current processes in place to provide our guests with the highest quality of food and service."

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