Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty To 2018 Saratoga Fishing Derby Scam, Faces 20 Years | Cowboy State Daily

A 69-year-old man from Norwalk, Connecticut, pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud tied to a scam involving the 2018 Saratoga Ice Fishing Derby. Kevin Kolenda admitted he sold an insurance policy covering a $10,000 prize for a tagged fish, but when a participant caught the fish, he failed to pay out. Kolenda—linked to a network of entities including Hole in Won LLC and Hole-in-Won.com—was scheduled for trial in Bridgeport but entered the plea instead. He faces a sentencing hearing in December and could receive up to 20 years in prison, along with restitution. Prosecutors said the scheme defrauded dozens of civic groups and charities of nearly $1 million, and Kolenda was reportedly unlicensed to sell insurance.