UPDATE: Complaint filed amidst billfish tournament investigation

A complaint has now been officially filed in Worcester County Circuit Court by White Marlin Open officials against the winner of the tournament’s white marlin division.

Officials claim there was a  “possible violation” of the rules and are withholding the multi-million dollar purse pending investigation.

On August 9, Phil Heasley of Florida reportedly caught a 76.5 pound white marlin during the tournament. That was the one and only qualifying catch for that division, ultimately worth more than 2.8 million dollars.

According to the complaint, Heasley and Captain David Morris underwent a required polygraph test days after the catch. It appears, deception was detected for Morris  when asked about committing any violations.

Officials are now seeking a formal court proceeding with a judge.

47ABC reached out to Heasley on Monday for a comment about the lawsuit.

We are still waiting for an official response on the lawsuit; however, a statement on the investigation overall reads:

“In response to a “perceived to have committed” allegation against the Kallianassa, the winner of the 2016 White Marlin Open held in Ocean City, MD, its owner regrets that there is any ambiguity surrounding its successful participation in the tournament.

The owner, captain and crew adamantly state that they have followed all tournament rules and regulations without exception and have unequivocally committed no wrongdoing. The Kallianassa’s excellent crew and superb captain have always maintained the highest levels of integrity; they will be vindicated and walking tall in the fishing community.”