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Felony Charge For Commandeering Taxi

Greta Mart

A fisherman is accused of commandeering a taxi and making multiple attempts to drive it -- and the driver -- off a bridge.

James Nulph of Santa Cruz, California was arraigned Friday at the Unalaska court house on three felony charges and three misdemeanors.

Police say after refusing to pay his taxi fare, Nulph tried three times to turn the steering wheel to force the cab into the water.

The arraignment was delayed a day because Nulph was too intoxicated for the hearing Thursday.

Present at the hearing was an alleged victim, a taxi driver for Swan Taxi.

The fisherman has a long criminal background including a conviction for a 1984 felony in California. Nulph says he is in Dutch Harbor to fish for halibut aboard the Ace. In the summers, he fishes in Cordova.

Although he earns too much to qualify for a public defender, Magistrate Judge Jane Pearson has overridden the guidelines and appointed him free legal representation because of the seriousness of the charges and his debt.

The fisherman could face up to five years in jail and a $50,000 fine for each felony conviction.When offered the option to speak Nulph said, “If there’s a bail, I’m not going to be able to get out. No one’s going to bail me out.”

Although she called the state’s bail “generous,” Magistrate Pearson approved it. Bail is set at $10,000, plus a third party custodian.

Additionally, Nulph is barred from consuming or being around alcohol; contacting the alleged victims; and using Swan Taxi. Until, he can post bail Nulph will be held at the Unalaska jail.