Ely, Minn. While on patrol on March 6, U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officers apprehended five men who were illegally snowmobiling on Crooked Lake, north of Ely, inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

All five individuals charged in this case are residents, or
former residents, of Ely, including Barney J. Lakner, 34; David R.
Marttila, 40; Thomas N. Edman, 40; Mark E. Merhar, 38; and Thomas
M. Gardiepy, 35. Violation of Forest Service wilderness regulations
is a federal offense. Maximum penalties or an individual offense
may involve a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to
six months. Violators who are found guilty may also be subject to
forfeiture of their snowmobile.