GALLIPOLIS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife recently closed the adjudication phase of one of Ohio’s largest white-tailed deer commercialization cases, spanning four counties and two states. The case primarily concerned A&E Deer Processing in Gallia County and included the illegal taking of deer and selling venison.

In all, the cases resulted in 14 defendants being charged with 122 counts in four counties and two states to include felonies and misdemeanors. They combined to pay $70,013.14 in fines and restitution. The group also collectively received a hunting license revocation totaling 63 years and paid more than $6,700 in court costs. All evidence seized during the execution of the search warrants was forfeited to the Division of Wildlife.

Included in the list of charges: engaging in a pattern of corrupt activities, grand theft, falsification, tampering with records, possession of untagged deer parts, hunting with an illegal implement, and complicity to wildlife sales. The maximum restitution to one individual was $20,000. A second individual received restitution of $13,000. Multiple individuals received extensive hunting license suspensions. Read more