ROCKLAND, Maine — A possession of short lobsters case that deadlocked jurors last summer over how the crustacean is measured has been settled.
James K. Wirkala, 38, of Spruce Head, agreed to a deferred disposition with the state in which the possession of short lobsters charges will be dismissed in six months if he agrees to pay a $2,200 administrative fee.
In June 2014, a jury deliberated for nearly four hours over two days before announcing they could not agree on a verdict.
Two Maine Marine Patrol officers testified that Wirkala had 11 lobsters that were shorter than 3¼ inches — as measured from the back of the eye socket to the end of the body — which is the minimum allowed by Maine law.
The defense argued, however, that the Marine Patrol officers squeezed the lobster such that it fell under the legal measurement. The state denied that claim during the trial.