The third suspect involved in the illegal killing of a cougar in Schoolcraft County in December has pleaded no contest to taking/possession of an endangered species.

Todd Anthony Richard, 40, of Burt, appeared in court Monday to enter his plea and was sentenced to $625 in fines and costs, along with 24 hours of community service for his role in the poaching incident.

During sentencing, 93rd District Court Judge Mark Luoma made clear that he did not believe the cougar killing was a case of self-defense. Last month, Troy Anthony Richard and Theodore Robert Richard pleaded guilty to their involvement in the case.