[PRBuzz]

Fisherman faces charges for putting tongue in fed’s ear

A Gloucester fisherman is facing charges for hugging and putting his tongue in the ear of a federal fishing monitor — in a case that sparked immediate suspicion among fishing industry advocates.

U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz said the Major Crimes Unit in Boston is prosecuting John Cusick, 49, on charges of assault and sexual harassment for allegedly hugging and putting his tongue in the ear of an unidentified monitor aboard the Sea Farmer II in July.

“The indictment alleges that Cusick harassed and assaulted a federal monitor who collects data from commercial fishing vessels while the vessel is engaged in fishing activities,” the office said.