[ Reply | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: Paul Ehorn
Category: Shipwreck Research
Date: 07 Jul 2004
Time: 03:41:32
Remote Name: 64.12.112.167
There seems to be quite a bit of misinformation floating around, I will attempt to clarify the facts reguarding the case involving the Rosinco. May 12th 2003, the State of Wisconsin stipulated to the dismissal of the criminal charges against me, due to reasonable doubt as to ownership of the Rosinco on October 25, 1998. June 9, 2004, the United States Court of Appeals, for the 7th Circuit, denied my appeal. The 7th Circuit stated in it's decision that the rights to the Rosinco were established only after her listing in the National Register of Historic Places. This listing was declared on February 8, 2001 at which point title to the Rosinco was simultaneously passed to the State of Wisconsin. What does all this mean? There was never any crime committed as the State of Wisconsin did not have ownership to the Rosinco on October 25, 1998. The State of Wisconsin obtained ownership of the Rosinco on February 8, 2001 after her nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. This applies to the Rosinco only, not any other vessels. There are however a few other vessels in the waters of Wisconsin that are on the National Register of Historic Places and they are likewise protected by the State. The term embedded is clearly defined and the Rosinco does not even come close to meeting that criteria. Bottom line is that unless a vessel is on the National Register or has been declared eligible for same, or is embedded, the state has no claim of ownership.