20 juveniles, 5 adults charged with more than 200 counts of poaching deer

PHILO - A two-year investigation by Ohio Department of Natural Resources resulted in the conviction of 25 individuals, including 20 juveniles, mostly from the Philo/Duncan Falls area.

"The investigation eventually led to 25 individuals being issued summons for more than 200 counts of wildlife violations," Rist said. "The defendants were found guilty on 161 of those counts and ordered to pay $1,675 in fines, $3,991 in court costs and complete 440 hours of community service."

I hope that the penalty listed were for each person.

More here:
http://www.zanesvilletimesreco...ba3994cd0078e254314d

Sure seems like they got off easy. With the record of kills I believe a fine in the low to mid 20K would have been appropriate, loss of license and at least 30 days in some type of detention facility.

What is 200 counts of poaching deer? Later you write 200 counts of wildlife violations. I read the article also.

We need more info. maybe the penalty was correct. There is no indication 200 deer were illegally taken.

I know law and order is an easy, "I'm all for it" but ... we need more info. They paid a price Ohio's deer heard is still healthy.

I'm not defending their action which I do not completely know. But I am not going to get to excited either. The 200 number makes it sound like a big deal, but we just don't know. Law enforcement piles on the accusations so something will stick.

In summary don't get too excited about the 200 thing.

Each, or total??

George

You guys apparently didn't read the link provided in the OP since everything you're asking is explained on it and all 25 people that were charged are listed and the penalties they received. It wasn't much for any of them, but 20 of the 25 were unnamed juveniles and is probably why they got light sentences.

According to the comments on the article, most (if not all) of the juveniles were football players who staged after-game killing contests. Their activities were supposedly not unknown in the community.

Years ago, I heard of a similar thing happening in Michigan's U.P. and the game warden actually asked the football coach if he thought charges should be brought up.

Seems like Ohio is a great place to poach...sad. I would have awarded max fines for the adults and somewhat less than that for the juveniles. Since this behavior seemed to stem from school activities, they should also get banned from playing any sports for the remainder of the time they have left in high school.

The sad part is there are still some local judges that don't take wildlife violations seriously. They give these bums a slap on the wrist and they go back to their dirty deeds.

Tom

We wouldn't want the local high school football team to suffer on account of a bit of mischief after the big game, would we? Boys will be boys, you know.