SANTA MONICA (KRON) — A chef who worked at a Santa Monica restaurant found be illegally serving whale meat has been sentenced.
Susumu Ueda was sentenced to probation and 200 hours of community service. Along with that, Ueda will have to pay a fine of $5,000. This punishment co mes after Ueda pleaded guilty in 2014 to conspiracy and violating the marine Mammal Protection Act.
Ueda worked at The Hump at Santa Monica Airport. The restaurant is now closed.
An investigation was launched after producers of the documentary film “The Cove” secretly filmed meat from the federally protected sei whale being served at the sushi restaurant five years ago.
In March, the restaurant owner was sentenced to fines and probation.
Another chef and the whale meat supplier pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges and await sentencing.