By Terry Kovarik

The 2013 attempted theft conviction of a Sturgeon Bay fishing boat captain will stand. The 3rd District Court of Appeals upheld the conviction of Michael Cefalu. The conviction was the result of a one-pound lead weight being discovered in a salmon Cefalu and Orlynn Helt brought in during the 2013 Door/Kewaunee Salmon Tournament. Cefalu was convicted in 2016 and ordered to pay a $2,500 fine. Cefalu unsuccessfully appealed that conviction. J.J. Malvitz, President of the Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament, supports the court’s decision. He says the actions of a few should not tarnish the image of all who fish and hunt.

Orlynn Helt, who caught the salmon that was weighted down, was convicted of attempted theft and paid a $1,000 fine. He was not part of Cefalu’s appeal.