Never Saw This Coming: Fab Rats Are In Legal Trouble! 

I am a 27 year retired Law Enforcement Officer and I know for a fact there are idiot Officers out there that only wear the badge to be bullies. I've been watching your channel for a long time and I know you have the proof to beat this charge. After you win the case, file a complaint on him with his Department's Professional Standards and Integrity Division and show them all the evidence you had to prove you didn't commit an offense and the bully officer then charged you anyway. Threaten to counter sue for legal fees if the idiot officer is not severely disciplined and see where that goes. If there is one thing every Department hates is idiot officers costing the city, county or state money! Good Luck!

Knowing the DWR officer will watch this, just makes this that much better.

Don't just fight it, sue them for time lost, lawyer fees, court cost and for harassment...

How he was not fired after the deer situation is crazy. You guys are awesome and this too shall pass. Keep up the good videos and doing service for others.

Welcome to the big time! It’ll just keep getting better and better. Ask me how I know. 😂

The fact he wasn't fired for the deer situation is mind blowing.

I'm an ecologist in southern Ontario and I watched your videos on the Yellow Submarine. One of my responsibilities is tracking invasive species, like the quagga mussels and round goby. I did not have any concerns with how you salvaged that boat and restored it. Invasive species are a real problem in our lakes and streams but your actions did not contribute to the spread. You should fight this charge and do what you need to do to clear your name and bring light to those who are not being good public servants. It is not right that you need to lawyer up to fight this but hopefully you can recoup the lawyer's fees in some manner. All the best to you, your family and your team. Cheers, A fan from north of the boarder, Rob

Hope you get through this relatively unscathed, sorry about the enormous waste of time! Sucks that some people have to be that way, to the detriment of everyone.

Not only should you fight this, you should file a formal complaint against the DWR Officer. He needs to know that he isn’t untouchable!

After 20+ years working in law enforcement, I applaud you for standing up to this "case" that's NOT a good "case". I would imagine, enough of your subscriber and locals will lean on legislators to finally do something about this poor excuse of a State Employee. In fact, I'm gonna go order some of your merch right now to help support your effort to fight this. You all are in the right and he is in the wrong. I love your channel and hope you keep doing what you're doing. Please keep us informed.

I hope someone treats that officer with the same kindness he showed the dear.

I called about threats of gun violence in Detroit in March. The police came to my house & arrested me for 'failure to present registration' from 5 years ago, shoved me with my hands in the air, & laughed that I was "stupid enough to come outside". They passed the people who threatened me & never investigated them. I'm suing them as we speak for a civil rights violation. They have until June 29th to provide the body cams to my lawyers. They havent responded in 3 weeks. Entrapment, FOIA violation, Assault & civil rights violation. When they abuse their power its up to us to hold them responsible. I wonder how many assaulted women are afraid to call the cops where I live because they have a traffic ticket.... Blows my mind. They actually did it to a woman who was assaulted. So there is a pattern of this behavior here, thats why these lawyers are working for free. Good on you for fighting it.

The amount of documentation you guys have regarding this non-crime is what makes this whole situation so much more ridiculous.

He handed you a victory in court in your video by admitting he knew they were dead! He's your best witness against himself! Love you guys, and hate you're dealing with this silliness over doing something so amazing for strangers!

Stay strong and if you end up in the wrong me and my buddies will get Matt and the whole crew together and back you 100% Your a good man with a strong family and I think I speak for everyone when I say we have your back. Keep fighting the good fight and we love you. Don't change and keep being you.

So Paul, I use to be a Reserve Deputy. I've seen quite a few bad Officers who let the badge go to their heads. The fact of the matter is the only way those officers learn to not do what they do is by losing their jobs. This because they never get it through their thick skulls. The other thing is they learn allot of the way their brains work is based off of either relatives who where also LE and they just take their retired relatives stories to heart and work off those old ways versus the new policies and procedures. Hang in there and you will have no issues winning this in the courts. We as a fan base believe in Fab Rats!!

Here In WI we had a DNR warden that was that way. One night he responded to a complaint that turned out to be a set up. He was found later on handcuffed to a tree with his clothes removed. He is no longer a warden in that area.

Small correction please - no matter what has happened up to this point, Paul Cox, you can not wear the title of "criminal." You can wear the title of "accused," but in order to be a criminal you would have to be found guilty first. That has not happened yet.

The problem in the US is that there isn’t just a few bad people in law enforcement it’s that there are heaps of them. I’d dare say even 30/70. There are so many RU-vid channels showcasing bad cops with enough content to upload multiple times a week. The other issue is that they don’t get fired they just get transferred

The feeling I have listening to you describe this event parallels so much in life these days. All I want is to try my best to do a professional job and not be hassled for doing the right thing, and doing it well. Here’s to ya Fab Rats - stay persistent and don’t let the hasslers get to ya!

Here's my way of looking at it, If he wants to make a big deal out of it... Show him how big of a deal it can actually be made into! There's only one way guys like this learn their lesson

I love that you have the whole interaction with that officer recorded, I smell a civil suit coming.

Keep it going. Thanks for standing up and maybe this guy will get straightened out or gone. Maybe something in the food service industry.

You guys should do a Freedom of Information Act request to find out exactly what phone calls were logged as part of the “phone ringing off the hook” investigation.

Hi Paul, I retired from the Sheriffs Office in central Florida, every Dept has one or two of thse idiots. Unfortunately , stupidity doesn't show up on a background check. I agree with the other former Law Enforcement officers, after you win this case, you should definitely file a complaint with your evidence to the Headquarters of Fish and Game. Usually these type of people either wise up or weed themselves out of an agency. Sounds like somebody isn't paying attention to what he's been doing....You need to get their attention....

So, when all this clears up and you come to the great state of Georgia, let those of us that call this home know when and where so that we can show up and let you know how much we appreciate you guys and what you have done for this family. It would be awesome to meet you and your family!

Hi Paul & Michelle (as a retired police officer) I was kind of surprised & embarrassed at this DNR officer and how he approached you and your family! After reviewing your interview (as a suspect of committing a crime) with this old DNR officer who clearly doesn’t understand the laws (specifically Miranda) he has sworn to uphold(still thinking in old school mode). 1) There is no legal way he can interview you without reading your rights (Miranda )advising you that you could face charges, and laying out what those charges would be. He clearly had in his mind based on his investigation and the trick questions he ask that you were a suspect in his mind. 2) his line of questioning was not to find the truth but to get you to give him incriminating evidence against yourself, which is out of line, against your rights. 3) the fact that you recorded the interview was great, good job. It shows you had nothing to hide and completely cooperated with him, even though he knew you shouldn’t, with seeking legal advice which is your right under Miranda. He has to tell you this by law. 4) the fact he could not tell you how long this boat was above the water line of the lake is a big red light as he was hoping you would incriminate yourself which you did not do, great job. Start collecting any gas or meal receipts as to when you first went to view the boat, photos you may have taken (as you have GPS coordinates or maybe just a pin, take screenshots of all those screens as they prove the boat was clearly out of the water on those date), or people you spoke to about the boat, IE: like Merlin old school. But don’t make a video of showing what you have found. The onus is on the DNR to prove their case and all associated data they may bring forward against you. In listening to the DNR officer speak he really didn’t sound confident in his investigation especially when you stated you first research the possibility of recovery of the boat. Start making notes and take screenshots of the dates associated with your research. Including who you spoke to, about what, and when, original notes (no matter how poorly kept are great and add credibility to your case and explanation). 5) I am not sure who you officially got the letter from (IE: the investigators, or just his superiors or both) but this is important as in order to send this official letter of intention to lay charges there has to be a prosecutor information sheet inclusive of all the information and his officers notes. I noticed he was not making any while speaking to you, and maybe the information he relayed to his supervisor is not substantiated but the recording he claims he was making while you were making yours? Unfortunately, (beside the fact) the DNR officer has a history apparently of relaying false facts to his superiors in order to charge other people, trust passing on private property. Some of these “old school guys” have simply got to retire or be released, as no doubt he has been Thoroughly trained in a suspect’s legal rights and the requirements of law enforcement to ensure that potential suspects are informed of those rights. They just refuse to follow the rule of law! They are a liability to the rest of the DNR officers who do their job correctly. Plus create civil liability issues for their office and the state government! Good luck

The DWR’s problem is that they are in a state where the majority of people are honest and they have to justify their existence by pressing issues and trying to stretch the law. My brother has a co-worker in the UHP who left the DWR because in his words “I can’t make people break the law” when his citation numbers were low.

I love how you have this officer on camera admitting the mussels were dead after watching your videos. Bullys in general are bad, but in law enforcement feels like a betrayal. This is sad. We are supposed to feel safe around law enforcement. Love your channel and support you guys 100 percent.

Glad you guys are standing up to this modern-day Barney Fife. Most people do not have a platform like you do to shine a light on this guy’s “law enforcement tactics.” BTW, met you guys briefly at Matt’s offroad trail ride two winters ago and liked your FJ45 build with its squeaky tailgate. Keep up the good work! Paul

Just watched a vid by Ride Utah who stated the charges have been dropped. Give your fans the update. Thumbs up!

Shame that one bad officer makes us all look bad. No excuse for abusing your position of authority . Glad you’re fighting this! Love your channel, thanks for filling us in!

I am a 30 retired deputy sheriff from North Carolina and I always remembered Sheriff Andy Taylor's motto doing my job. "you do a whole lot better if you go not so much by the book, but by the heart." Fight the good fight Fab rats.

I was having lunch today with a friend at a little out of the way place in Jonesboro, AR. As I was telling my friend about your encounter with the Rouge officer, a gentleman passed our table said "You are talking about FAB RATS aren't you?". A conversation ensued from there. So your famous in NE Arkansas.

Stay safe paul. I love you guys and what you and matt do. keep the camreas rollin inside and out, this guy could be much more dangerous than we think.

As a person who has worked in law enforcement for more than 23 years in the state of Texas, both local and State agencies, it is officers like this who give the rest of the law enforcement community a bad name. Good to see you standing up for yourselves as people like that normally seem to prey upon and bully the little people. Keep up the good work that y'all do, THOROUGHLY enjoy your family oriented videos and seeing all that you give back to others.

Reminds me of the situation with WhistlinDiesel and his lawsuit. Props to Fab Rats for standing up. We love you guys

I can relate, BTDT. You’re doing the right thing. Good luck.

Keep up the fight! Don’t give in!! With government, it’s always about money.

Paying the fine is an admission of guilt . If you want to continue to own guns and hunt , you have to fight it . I'm rooting for you ! ❤

I have been in a similar situation. I strongly recommend that you contact your representatives at the State or Federal level (whichever has jurisdiction over this). Have the attorney send a letter clearly and concisely state the case and request the representative get involved to clear this up. A reprimand from on high will stop this abusive behavior. Go get em.

Whatever you do, "do not" lose your faith over this ,or judge this person,cause more than likely ,God has let this come about and appears like this man needs help ,and you are the very kind hearted people that he may need the most !

This is what we the people need is people like y’all that are able to stand up and make a stand against bs like this! Thank you!

Counter sue for your costs. Love you guys and your content. You're a great example of what humanity can be.

Wow! We had a game warden here that was that way. Well your best evidence that the boat wasn't in the water for a very long time was when the mice that came running out of the front of the boat lol. Last i knew mice can't live under water lol.

Well done guys, stand up for yourselves 👍 wishing you luck from the UK

This is typical of many( not all) law enforcement officers. The badge, the power the glory! Hiring an attorney was probably your best move. Once the charges are dismissed, you may be able to pursue other legal channels to put him under review by internal affairs , but even then it may not yield anything because those guys are from the same front lines and they cover each others ass unless..it is a high profile incident that is going to bring the media down on them. Then they have to sacrifice one of their own. You can try getting the higher state officials involved and then the media. His bosses won’t like the scrutiny if it is going to affect their careers. Be glad you have video documentation ! Good luck to you on this

I am a retired police officer who can relate to this guy as I have seen my share of badge heavy police. Our department with 1300 plus sworn officers removed people like him ASAP. There is what I call "the letter of the law and the spirit of the law." This is why police have the right to be discretionary in some cases. By his own admission he didn't think the mussels were alive and that being one major criteras for the elements of the crime makes it a moot issue.( ie. no crime) Based on his employment history and now your case I would be looking at malicious prosecution charges against the officer. (reimbursed for attorney fees) Without public support it is harder to do our job as we need the help and that support of our citizens to be effective in our law enforcement endeavors. Stand your ground and take this case to court. Best wishes for a good outcome...

Everyone should contact The Institute for Justice and urge them to get involved in this case. They are great with cases like this. Paul and Michelle, I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this and hopefully the stress of it all isn’t too bad for you. Love you guys.

Your attorney should be OPRA requesting all the official’s emails to see if he conspired to incriminate you. Go for the win!

I say go for it. You have the videos to back you up. Dan and I are behind you all the way. Way to abuse his power

Yeah, you should definitely decide what an officer should be worried about. He is asking questions, and being polite.

Being a retired police officer I appreciate your respectful attitude. I hope your attorney advises you to sue and write up the officer. It’s seems that’s one of the best way to stop bad behavior.

1st time I have ever commented on any video, normally just thoroughly enjoy the content but this is outrageous. People in positions like this acting this way absolutely get My blood boiling. Props to You for standing Your ground Fab Rats crew.

You all are awesome and I know you all have done everything by the book. I have been in law enforcement for over 23 years and I absolutely Love your channel. I am so sorry you have to deal with those who abuse there athority.

Hey guys - personally I think the DWR officer should have contacted you prior to walking onto your property - He has to have permission to approch you before contact - I don't know much about the US Law but you have all of our support and wishes - btw I'm from New Zealand and love your video's

I live in Arizona and I've had similar experiences with a Game and Fish officer. It's maddening that a few give the rest a bad name. This Utah officer is a POS and should have been fired a long time ago. Good for you Paul for fighting this, you will win and then sue him personally and the department.

I'm glad you guys and Whistlindiesel are both fighting your cases to hold these out of control law enforcement officers accountable.

As a retired LEO in So Cal, this is crazy as it is across the whole US.

Like Michelle mentioned in the video, there are good folks and not so good folks and the bad ones make it tough on everyone. It's a shame that it's come to this. Investigating things is his job but if he watched all of the videos involving the boat he wouldn't have even needed to visit you. On the plus side, between this video and a few other news clips you are getting some good publicity.

I am very disappointed in the DWR agent, and in the video he even said the muscles were dead so that should be the end of this when the Judge hears that . Stay strong you got this.

You should definitely write a formal complaint against the officer. I’m sure your attorney would be happy to help you with that. Good luck with this issue and I’m sorry you have to go through this. Robert.

Wish you the best in the legal issues. I watched the videos on the boat I thought it was great!

Most everyone has one but I have never encountered one here in Tennessee, all TWRA officers are open minded, but if you are wrong they do their jobs and I appreciate each and everyone of them. Sorry you had to encounter one, but sounds like you have a great case, hope everything works out for you, will be waiting to see what happens. Good luck.

After winning this case you need to sue the guy for the costs incurred to go to court. This is certainly a case of malicious intent.

My father was a conservation officer and spent a lot of time working public relations. He believed that being on the good side of the community resulted in better enforcement because people knew he was a good and fair CO and if they saw a game violation, they were on the phone immediately to him. This guy is hurting the DWR.

Michelle you must like the Bad Boys. LOL. Glad your fighting this and making it public!

As a cop I appreciate this video and support your decision to fight this. I can’t speak for all cops, but I and all cops I know feel that nobody hates a bad cop more than other cops. Good on you for fighting it and using your resources to stand up for yourselves and others who don’t have the reach and resources to do it.

This officer told me he could write me a ticket for fishing with 3 rods if i bait the hook for my wife. Glad you're fighting this!

So many witnesses to the fact that the boat was NOT in the water. I watched every second of that episode. I'll be a witness. Love y'all. ❤

Love your videos, they help me deal with the days, since I can no longer enjoy the outdoors like I used to. Good for you, fight it and go for attorney and court costs. In my previous life I have dealt with those that thought they were at the top dog of multiple experts and needed to Swagger. Too often these make life for sports persons miserable, just because they can. Keep up the good work.

GATA. Yall are awesome! Keep on keeping in! 🤘🤘

As retired law enforcement, he’s not abiding by the “spirit of the law”. Another thing we say is the juice worth the squeeze? Thanks for your family and content.

Having watched untold hours of Fab Rats, MORR, Robby Layton, Chad's Fab, and more, I was astounded that Utah seemed to be home to nothing but awesome people. Kudos to that guy for bringing the state a little closer to reality. And I'm so glad you're fighting this as he really needs to be put in his place. Again.

Your guys are great. I saw this boat and other boats in another Utube channel well before you decided to rescue it.

FYI. Dwr claims to have dropped the charges on June 7th. I saw it on the news.

Poor lil fella got demoted to the aquatic invasion officer and finally thought he had a bad guy 😅 Almost feel bad for the little guy haha 😂

I was in law enforcement for 18 years in East Tennessee. Unfortunately, there is one of these types of guys always floating around somewhere. These guys usually thirst for attention, good or bad. The great majority of us would try to discourage this type of behavior and try to coach a guy like this to do better. However, there are those that do not change no matter what you do. But, luckily and eventually these guys go down by their own stupidity and hang themselves and lose their positions of power they have built up in their minds. What you are doing to fight the charges will lead him to becoming a "Use to Be". Please everyone...always back the blue. There are still a whole lot of good guys still out there.

Seems like this guy spent to much time in a wall locker during high school and now he is just turned into a bully like the people that bullied him. I wish you the best of luck in the case and support you 100%. Everyone that enjoys the outdoors and your channel should and will rally around you. Best wishes, F.D.

First you are right. It only takes 1 bad apple to spoil the whole barrel. But it’s really all about making money for the state. Your video shows how far away the water was from the boat so it should be a no brainer. But look who you’re dealing with. When the judge sees the video of the officer saying that they weren’t alive it should be thrown out. When it’s over you need to have your lawyer sue him for all the wasted time and money you loose and Attorney fees. Lastly no good deed goes on punished but don’t let this change you.

"No good deed ever goes unpunished. " This is just sad. That DWR officer should only be in charge of cleaning public outhouses. Since obviously he gets off at throwing crap against a wall to see what sticks. I'm glad you're fighting it. I hope you win!!!

Congrats to the Paul & Michelle for taking the harder road that makes our country better!

I appreciate that you're spending your time and influence to keep the "watchers" honest. If we don't, who else will?

I used to live in Illinois and we had the same problem with one of the game wardens when we went deer hunting. He would look and look and look at our camp looking for something he could give us a ticket for. I finally had enough and jump on him about harassment and he backed down and even admitted that they're told to write tickets during deer season. Build up the bank account. He eventually retired and we never had a problem after that

I'm a retired police officer from Colorado...now living in Florida.. I've been watching your channel for a few years now...love all your content... I thought the yellow submarine episodes were awesome... I have known a number of police officers, DOW officer and fish & game officers... Most are good at their jobs....buuuuttttt.... There are the ones that are concidered BADGE HEAVY cops... They are the ones that either are letter of the law and do not have any descretion, then there are the others. They are over zealous and create unnecessary cases that clog up the courts with time wasting investigations. Like the one you are dealing with... Whistling Diesel is dealing with one in Tennessee. He is also got the added problem with a District Attorney who is like minded with the officer... Making a nightmare case into a horror show... Go check out his issue... About splashing water with a jetski.... You, like him, are in the unique position to fight this overuse of power to prove a point and bring it to public knowledge, and hopefully get the backing from your viewers to possibly inundate the officers office with complaints that this officer needs to reassigned to washing vehicles

And I'm really glad you guys are pointing this out we both know the minute he sees this video he's coming after you guys and anybody you know stay strong

Got to love it when he comes on your property with no warrant. And then proceeds to question you with out informing you of your legal rights. Typical any time they start fishing (questioning you). Shut them down by saying i want my legal coucil. Safe travels and roads Brian and Cindy, "xtreambydesign with passion"

You are certainly good, and I also like to watch and follow you here in the Netherlands.

it's good that you have the whole conversation recorded. he seems really shady.

Other benefits to removing the boat (which in itself is not something most people could have done) and the goodwill of reuniting it with previous owners are 1) you removed environmental pollution, especially because the engine had oil in it, and 2) rehabilitated the boat to usable condition which kept it out of a landfill.

You're right, without cops there's chaos. And right now cops are quiet quitting non-stop. To the point that I haven't seen a cop do their job in my city in many years.

In my opinion you guys did nothing wrong and went above and beyond by getting the permission and permits you did!!!! Every state has at least one officer that stretches his/her power waaayyyy too far 👿 I really enjoy your videos and think you guys do great things!!! Thank You and have a blessed day.

Unfortunately like so many people in law enforcement these days, they are on a major power trip. This guy got demoted for previous infractions and was again looking for ways to pursue his need for power. You’ll win and hopefully he gets fired or at least demoted again to the endangered slug division. 🖖

Personally, I would keep track of all time lost, attorney fees, so you can sue the DWF office as well as the officer himself. If they aren't held accountable and punished for bad behavior they will continue to do this to others.

sounds like you stuck it to the department. Way to go guys!

You are doing a great job. Some people can't fight in court for financial reasons. Thank you.

We are all behind you. If there is any way the viewers can help let us know.

I’m glad you’ve chosen to fight this. I’ve watched every video and this officer needs to be held accountable.

Wow, would love to get a pic of the yellow sub when in GA. I'm in the mountains.

Love you guys, take it to the courts and sue the crap out of them for every minute you've wasted on this farce. Even if they drop the charges.