Category: Poachers

Conservation officers seize cocaine and six illegal firearms from Oakland County men in Montmorency County

Hoping to partake in the opening day of firearm deer hunting season, three men now face multiple charges after a Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer located cocaine and illegal firearms in two separate vehicles, north of Atlanta in Montmorency County on Wednesday.

Sgt. Mike Mshar was patrolling on County Road 622, near Rouse Road, when he passed a slow-moving vehicle with a window down, occupied by two men wearing hunter orange.

The driver of the vehicle stopped to talk to Mshar, who noticed the passenger place something under his seat. Mshar asked the passenger to step out of the vehicle, and when he did, a bag of cocaine fell to the ground.

While Mshar was addressing the violation, a second vehicle arrived, driven by the father of the passenger in the first vehicle. CO Dan Liestenfeltz also arrived to assist.

Both officers suspected the father was driving under the influence of alcohol and asked him to complete field sobriety tests, which he failed. Concealed pistol license-certified, the man was also carrying a loaded pistol, which is illegal when intoxicated by drugs or alcohol.

Officers obtained probable cause to search both vehicles and located additional cocaine (2 grams total) in the first vehicle, along with three rifles. A second pistol and rifle were found in the father’s vehicle.

All three men were arrested and lodged in the Alpena County Jail. Their arraignment is pending.

The men in the first vehicle each face two felony charges, one for possessing cocaine and one for possessing a firearm with illegal drugs.

The driver of the second vehicle faces two misdemeanor charges, operating while intoxicated and possessing a firearm while intoxicated.

“This is a strong case that supports our mission to promote safe and fair hunting,” said DNR Law Enforcement Division Chief Jason Haines. “These individuals posed an immediate safety risk to themselves and others who were on the road and in the woods enjoying opening day of deer season in northern Michigan.”

The DNR will not release names until all individuals have been arraigned. Read more

Poachers

Utah DWR conservation officers seek information after bull moose shot, left to waste in Wasatch County

SPRINGVILLE — Utah Division of Wildlife Resources conservation officers are seeking information from the public about a bull moose that was shot and left to waste last month.

Officers received a report of a bull moose that was killed in the Strawberry River Drainage in Wasatch County. Investigators estimated that the incident occurred sometime between Oct. 7-12. Read more

Poachers

Poacher Required to Forfeit Car, Weapon, Hunting License, and Fined $2,800

After a night investigation and years-long court process a Vermont poacher was mandated this week to forfeit his vehicle and weapon in addition to prior fines and loss of hunting privileges, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

Shane Phillips, 43, of Johnson, was initially cited for “deer jacking”—illegally shooting a deer at night. The citation followed an after-dark field operation by game wardens in October 2020 at multiple locations in the town of Johnson. Read more

Poachers

Arkansas; GFC, EDC Offer $713,000 from Poaching Fine to Arkansas Schools

LITTLE ROCK – Nearly three-quarters of a million dollars is available for Arkansas schools this year, thanks to a partnership between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services to turn poaching violations into education opportunities.

All wildlife and fishing fine money collected in each Arkansas county last year has been set aside by the AGFC specifically for education grants teachers may use to increase conservation education efforts in their school. The money is available through grants administered by AEDC.

Teachers and administrators have until Oct. 25 to apply for a conservation education grant at www.arkansasedc.com/rural-services/division/grants/wildlife-education-grant. The amount of money available in each county is based upon the fines collected in that county and any unused funds from previous years. Any school or conservation district in Arkansas may apply for these grants regardless of size or population. Read more

Poachers

Colorado Group Owes Over $6,000 for Poaching Fish in Michigan

The six men pleaded guilty to taking fish by an illegal method along the Manistee River last October. Contact: Sgt. Grant Emery, 906-285-2085

Colorado group owes more than $6,600 for poaching fish in Michigan

Six Colorado men have pleaded guilty to taking fish by an illegal method, stemming from an incident along the Manistee River in October. Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers caught the group illegally fishing following a tip from a concerned angler.

The last of the six men was charged earlier this month in the 85th District Court in Manistee County. Each of the men, all from Colorado, owes more than $1,100 in restitution, fines and costs:

  • Agustin Barrera, 29, of Denver.
  • David Cobaxin, 48, of Denver.
  • Alfredo Hernandez, 56, of Denver.
  • Gregorio Hernandez, 49, of Aurora.
  • Leonel Lopez, 38, of Aurora.
  • Raul Lopez, 37, of Aurora.

One positive result from the group’s poaching: conservation officers were able to donate more than 460 pounds of fresh fish to Manistee County families in need.

Michigan conservation officers are fully commissioned law enforcement officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and protect people by providing general law enforcement duties and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve. Learn more at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.

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Conservation officers seize four firearms and drugs during traffic stop in Pigeon River Country State Forest

Two people were arrested for possessing illegal firearms and drugs after a Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer conducted a traffic stop in a remote area of the Pigeon River Country State Forest, in Otsego County.

The officer initially observed the vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road. During the stop, the vehicle occupants told the officer, “We are just out looking to hunt stuff.”

The officer saw that the passenger had an uncased .308 rifle near their right leg with a rifle round on the door handle. Additionally, the driver – who had binoculars around their neck – had a loaded .22 caliber rifle behind the seat.

Additional conservation officers soon arrived on scene to assist.

Officers searched the rental vehicle the suspects were operating and found two additional firearms, used rifle casings, alcohol, several containers of crystal meth, marijuana, and evidence of drug use.

DNR officers confiscated three rifles and one shotgun, along with the ammunition and drugs.

The names of those arrested will not be released until they are arraigned in court. Both suspects face multiple felony charges. The investigation is ongoing.

Poachers

Kalamazoo man charged in series of hunting violations, admits he’s not an ‘ethical hunter’

Jan. 27, 2023
Contact: Lt. Gerald Thayer, 269-204-7045

A Kalamazoo man who admits that he’s “not the most ethical hunter,” was in court for a pretrial hearing related to illegal deer hunting.

Scott Kevin Meisterheim, 55, was arraigned earlier this month in the 8th District Court of Kalamazoo County for the following 10 charges, sought by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:

Meisterheim the Poacher

  • Taking white-tailed deer outside of lawful hunting hours (one count).
  • Hunting white-tailed deer with no license (two counts).
  • Uses the deer hunting licenses of another (two counts).
  • Taking an overlimit of antlered white-tailed deer (two counts).
  • Transporting/possessing untagged antlered white-tailed deer (three counts).

The DNR requested additional charges for illegal bait, failing to immediately validate/attach kill tags and using another’s (hunting) license.

“This is an excellent investigation of a poacher who shows no respect for the resource or the ethics of fair chase,” said Chief Dave Shaw, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “Violations of this type deprive law-abiding people of their opportunity to have access to and enjoy a public trust natural resource, in this case white-tailed deer.”

DNR conservation officers began investigating Meisterheim, the poacher, in  after receiving tips that were reported to the DNR’s Report All Poaching hotline (800-292-7800).

Conservation Officer James Nason, who patrols Kalamazoo County, investigated a series of tips by interviewing several witnesses regarding Meisterheim’s illegal hunting activity from October to

Evidence collected during the investigation revealed that Meisterheim took at least 11 deer from Oct. 1-Dec. 24, 2021, including three deer Oct. 1, and that he believed he was “tagged out” the first week of archery season. Within three days, Meisterheim let two deer spoil; those were rejected by the processor due to their condition.

Nason interviewed Meisterheim at the Kalamazoo County Jail, where Meisterheim was lodged at the time for domestic abuse.

“Sure, I love to kill deer,” Meisterheim said. “If I could kill more I would, to be honest with you.”

Meisterheim, who was hunting without a hunting license, during all hours of the day and while using illegal bait, also obtained other people’s deer tags to cover his illegal deer, if he even tagged them at all.

He told Nason that he “is not the most ethical hunter, tagging other people’s deer, but I don’t care – I am addicted to the venison.”

In explaining why he was in possession of so many deer, Meisterheim also claimed that injured deer would stumble to, and die near his hunting location. Meisterheim also hunted several properties where he did not have permission, including in Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties.

Meisterheim is currently serving 18 months’ probation for aggravated domestic assault in Kalamazoo County. He is due back in court for the DNR charges in February.

Michigan conservation officers are fully commissioned law enforcement officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety, and protect residents through general law enforcement and conducting lifesaving operations in the communities they serve. Learn more at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.

Poachers

Florida: Multi-Year Investigation Leads to Venomous Snake Traffickers

Media contact: Ashlee Sklute, Ashlee.Sklute@MyFWC.com

Multi-year FWC investigation “Operation Viper” leads to numerous charges for venomous and prohibited snake traffickers

On January 12, 2023, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) filed charges against eight individuals, ranging from second degree misdemeanors to third-degree felonies related to the illegal trafficking of venomous and prohibited snakes.

The FWC has been receiving intelligence reports and complaints indicating that a black market exists for the sale and purchase of illegal and highly dangerous venomous reptiles in Florida. In 2020, the FWC initiated a long-term investigation with undercover investigators to determine the extent of this illegal activity and hold violators accountable.

The illegal sale, purchase, transport and caging of these regulated animals pose a significant public safety threat, undermines legitimate captive wildlife dealers operating legally and threatens the long-term well-being of state wildlife populations. If these illegal and dangerous nonnative species were to escape, they could easily live and breed in Florida’s subtropical climate.

Over the course of the investigation, nearly 200 snakes, consisting of 24 species from seven different regions of the globe, were purchased or sold by FWC undercover investigators to or from wildlife traffickers. Some of those species include the inland taipan, bushmaster, rhinoceros viper, African bush viper, Gaboon viper, green mamba, eyelash viper, multiple species of spitting cobra, forest cobra, puff adder and saw-scaled vipers. Trafficking activity was unpermitted, and the subjects involved showed a complete disregard for the regulatory framework designed to keep Floridians safe.

“Some of these snakes are among the most dangerous in the world,” said Maj. Randy Bowlin, FWC DLE Investigations and Intelligence Section Leader. “Florida’s rules and laws are in place to protect the public and prevent tragedies from occurring.”

Much of the illegal activity was initiated on specialized websites or closed social media pages. Once these black-market deals were arranged, violators quickly transitioned to in-person meetings where they arranged to buy or sell potentially deadly species to undercover officers with full knowledge that they were unlicensed and could not purchase these snakes legally. Some of these individuals included wholesale dealers who imported large shipments of nonnative venomous snakes from multiple countries around the world. The FWC secured search warrants for many of the social media accounts to prove the illegal activity was occurring and identify additional subjects. Georgia DNR and the FWC also worked in conjunction on this investigation to target other suspects illegally transporting carloads of venomous snakes around the country in violation of multiple state laws. Covert meetings with officers from Georgia and Florida revealed that the suspects showed a complete disregard for this highly regulated activity.

The actions of individuals such as the ones charged today make our jobs at VENOM 1 and 2 only that much harder,” said Dr. Benjamin Abo, Primary investigator and Medical Director of Venom 1 and 2 Venom Response Units. “We fight every day to keep people alive and minimize permanent complications after a tragic bite occurs. The rules for the transportation, caging and handling of these animals are in place for important reasons.”

As often happens with long term investigations, non-wildlife crimes were documented by FWC investigators. “We’ve seen time and again that individuals who will break one law do not limit themselves to only one area of illegal activity,” said FWC DLE Director Colonel Roger Young. “Documented violations range from conservation second-degree misdemeanors to third-degree felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.”

This lengthy investigation developed additional suspects both in and out of Florida. FWC investigators realized early into the investigation that the black market for venomous reptiles in Florida was robust, and subjects identified in the operation were dealing reptiles frequently and in high numbers, often to or from unpermitted individuals. Caging, labeling, transport and handling rules were also often ignored by subjects and cited accordingly in today’s action.

“Some of the individuals apprehended by this operation are established dealers of snakes,” said FWC Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto. “Our law enforcement officers will continue to hold accountable those who disregard the rules which protect our natural resources of the state.”

Over the course of the investigation, FWC Investigations leadership made the determination to allow some violations to sunset due to statutes of limitations, in order to cast a wider net for additional violators. Hundreds of additional misdemeanor level violations were observed during the operation which were not charged in today’s activities.

Violations charged during this operation do not take into account that many of these snakes were probably sourced illegally from their home country of origin. A well established tactic for black market dealers is to launder illegally procured snakes through a properly permitted facility, so they may be sold without divulging their true origin.

“During this investigation, officers saw and heard disturbing evidence of widespread illegal activity, not the least of which were individuals who indicated that they were releasing or planning to release prohibited reptiles into nearby native habitat to establish a readily accessible wild breeding population,” said Investigations Section Captain Van Barrow.

Wildlife trafficking ranks fourth behind, drugs, weapons and humans in global activity, and is often a nexus for other illegal activity. There are many different estimates of the value of illicit wildlife trafficking worldwide. According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, illicit wildlife trafficking is estimated to be between $7.8 billion and $10 billion per year.

Actions taken by the FWC DLE Investigations Section on January 12 include:

Delvin Eugene Sasnett (11/21/1990) of Eagle Lake, FL – arrested and issued Notice to Appear

During the investigation, FWC investigators found evidence to charge Sasnett with a number of serious violations. In addition to illegal purchase or sale of venomous reptiles, he is also involved in the sale of other types of wildlife.

Polk County violations include:

  • Possession of American Alligator (third-degree felony)
  • Child Neglect (third-degree felony)
  • Possession of prohibited species (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Possession of venomous reptile without a permit (first-degree misdemeanor)1
  • Possession of captive wildlife without a permit (ESB) (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Possession of threatened species (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Unsafe conditions (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Illegal harvest of freshwater turtles (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Caging and biosecurity (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No enclosure label (prohibited species) (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No critical incident plan (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No or incomplete records for wildlife (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Transfer of prohibited species to/from unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper primary enclosure for venomous reptile (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper secondary enclosure for venomous reptile (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No bite protocol (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper caging of Class 2 wildlife (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Transporting turtle eggs (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Feeding alligators (second-degree misdemeanor)

William Chase Agee (08/01/1990) of Holly Hill, FL – arrested and executed search warrant

Agee is an unpermitted individual who has been involved in multiple illegal sales and purchases of venomous reptiles. A convicted felon, Agee was well aware of the regulations concerning these snakes. In addition to violations concerning venomous reptiles, Agee was also illegally in possession of a firearm, a third-degree felony.

Volusia County violations include:

  • Possession of firearm by convicted felon (third-degree felony)
  • Transportation/sale/possession of cannabis (third-degree felony)
  • Illegal possession of ammunition (third-degree felony)
  • Sale of venomous reptile to unlicensed person (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Possession of venomous reptile by unlicensed person (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Illegal transportation of venomous reptiles (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Illegal transportation of venomous reptiles (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Illegal transportation of venomous reptiles (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Purchase of prohibited species from unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)

Dylan Isaac Levin (02/15/1992) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL – arrested

Levin was documented making multiple illegal purchases and sales of venomous reptiles. He falsified required records regarding venomous reptiles and was involved in the sale of a controlled substance.

Palm Beach County violations include:

  • Sale of controlled substance (third-degree felony)
  • Sale of venomous reptile to unpermitted individual (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper venomous reptile records (second-degree misdemeanor)

Edward Daniel Bays (07/31/1997) of Southwest Ranches, FL – issued Notice to Appear

Broward County, Miami-Dade County violations include:

  • Possession of prohibited species (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Release of nonnative wildlife (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Transportation of prohibited species (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Transfer of prohibited species to/from unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Transporting wildlife in unsafe manner (second-degree misdemeanor)

Jorge Javier Gonzalez (10/29/1999) of Miami, FL – executed search warrant, issued Notice to Appear

Gonzalez is charged with the illegal trafficking of prohibited species, specifically Burmese pythons. On multiple occasions, FWC investigators documented the illegal sale and transport of these invasive prohibited species.

Broward County, Collier County, Hendry County, Miami-Dade County violations include:

  • Possession of prohibited species (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Purchase of wildlife from unlicensed person (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Transfer of prohibited species to/from unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No safety entrance for prohibited species (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No escape proof room (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No enclosure label (prohibited species) (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No enclosure label (name/PIT #) (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Solicitation/Attempted Solicitation (second-degree misdemeanor)

Paul Edward Miller (07/21/1974) of Cape Coral, FL – issued Notice to Appear

Miller is a large importer of snakes, a well-established wildlife wholesaler and the owner of Calusa Animal Company. In addition to multiple violations regarding caging, labeling and husbandry, FWC investigators also documented instances where Miller aided in the falsification of required experience hours documentation.

Lee County violations include:

  • Cage or secondary containment (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Unsafe or unsanitary conditions for captive wildlife (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper cage labeling (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Cage or secondary containment (second-degree misdemeanor)

Joseph David Switalski, Jr. (05/26/1985) of Plantation, FL – issued Notice to Appear

Switalski is a well-established reptile dealer and is the owner of JDS Holdings and Trading, LLC. Multiple illegal sales and purchases occurred involving Switalski during the investigation, with more than 60 snakes. Switalski is charged with multiple violations.

Broward County violations include:

  • Sale of venomous reptile to unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper caging of venomous reptiles (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper cage identification (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper secondary containment for captive wildlife (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No enclosure label (venomous) (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Possession of venomous reptiles at unlicensed location (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Purchase of venomous reptiles from unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)

Timothy James Gould (05/12/1984) of Central City, PA – arrested by Geogia Department of Natural Resources in Georgia, issued Notice to Appear

Gould is a well-established wildlife transporter and is unpermitted in the state of Florida for any captive wildlife, let alone venomous reptiles. He advertises his illegal transport services on a popular online marketplace for wildlife dealers. Working with Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the FWC identified Gould and documented his illegal activity in Florida. When arrested, Gould had 27 snakes in his possession illegally.

Levy County violations include:

  • No import permit (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Sale or transfer to unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper labeling (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper caging (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Possession of venomous reptile without a permit (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No bite protocol (second-degree misdemeanor)

Charges have been filed with the appropriate State Attorney Offices, and judicial proceedings are pending.

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Nebraska Adds New Wildlife Crime Reporting Tool

Helping law enforcement eliminate poaching in Nebraska just got a little easier, thanks to a new program by Nebraska Game and Parks.

The new online reporting tool allows people to anonymously report suspected wildlife violations through a form at OutdoorNebraska.gov/WildlifeCrimestoppers. People can submit photos and even indicate if they are interested in a reward if charges are filed because of their tip.

Once submitted, the report goes directly to the conservation officer in the county where the incident is suspected. Read more

Poachers

Three Men Convicted of Poaching Charges in One of Wyoming’s Largest Cases

The charges were the result of a seven-year, multi-agency investigation

12/12/2022 8:58:11 PM

CHEYENNE – Three men were charged with more than 100 wildlife violations in one of the largest poaching cases in Wyoming history. The felony and misdemeanor charges were the result of a seven-year, multi-agency investigation spanning four states and involving thousands of hours of investigations and efforts by state and federal wildlife law enforcement officers, county and federal prosecutors, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department forensic laboratory personnel and others. The charges were prosecuted across four different Wyoming counties, concluding in Park County in September 2022.

“Investigating and successfully prosecuting a case of this size and scope required years of effort by many individuals and agencies,” said Rick King, Game and Fish chief game warden. “Dozens of people worked hard to make sure that even though some of these violations occurred a decade or more ago, they would not go unpunished.”

Russell Vick of Alabama, Robert Underwood of Oklahoma and David Underwood of South Dakota were convicted of numerous wildlife offenses and cumulatively fined $171,230 and $131,550 in restitution.

The case began in October 2015 Read more

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