by: Justin Dennis

https://www.woodtv.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/pair-in-fishing-scandal-plead-guilty-to-cheating-in-walleye-tournament/

Posted: Mar 28, 2023 / 09:52 AM EDT

Updated: Mar 28, 2023 / 11:57 AM EDT

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CLEVELAND (WJW) — Two men accused of cheating in a walleye fishing tournament on Lake Erie pleaded guilty on Monday.

Jacob Runyan, 43, of Ashtabula, Ohio, and Chase Cominsky, 36, of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, were each indicted in October on felony charges of cheating, attempted grand theft and possessing criminal tools, and a misdemeanor count of illegal animal ownership. They initially pleaded not guilty.Man accused in fishing scandal faces new charge after bowling alley incident

But on Monday, each pleaded guilty to a felony count of cheating and a misdemeanor animal ownership violation. The remaining charges were dismissed.

The pair is due for sentencing on May 11.

• Chase Cominsky, together with Jacob Runyan, has won a slew of fishing tournaments with cash awards and major prizes in recent years. The two were accused of cheating late last month, after organizers of a fishing tournament found lead weights in their catches. (WKBN)Read More »
• Jacob Runyan
• Chase Cominsky in a Cuyahoga County court on charges related to the fishing tournament (WJW photo).Read More »
• Jacob Runyan, left, and Chase Cominsky, sit in court as they are arraigned, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, in Cleveland. The two pleaded not guilty to cheating and other charges in a lucrative fishing tournament on Lake Erie in the end of September where they were accused of stuffing five walleye with lead weights and fish filets. (AP Photo/Mark Gillispie)Read More »
• Chase Cominsky, together with Jacob Runyan, has won a slew of fishing tournaments with cash awards and major prizes in recent years. The two were accused of cheating late last month, after organizers of a fishing tournament found lead weights in their catches. (WKBN)Read More »
• Jacob Runyan

Jacob Runyan

(WJW photos)

In the September 2022 tournament, anglers from several surrounding states competed for the heaviest walleye catches, according to authorities. The pair stood to win a prize of more than $28,000.