15-04-2025
Three sentenced after 19 deer found poached in Somerset County
SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Three Somerset County men have been sentenced for killing 19 deer over a two-month span in 2020, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Caleb Roland, 26, pleaded guilty to three summary counts of unlawful killing or taking of big game. As a result, Roland was ordered to pay $3,000 in fines and $5,000 in replacement costs as well as he will now lose his hunting and trapping privileges for 30 years. He will also be required to forfeit all firearms used in the crimes.
A juvenile was also found guilty of 23 felonies and two summary counts including unlawful killing or taking of big game and unlawful use of lights while hunting. The juvenile was ordered to pay $25,000 in fines and $5,000 in replacement costs. They will lose their hunting and trapping privileges for 50 years and were ordered to forfeit all firearms used in the crime.
The third person who pleaded guilty, also a juvenile, did so to 14 felonies and six summary counts including the aforementioned charges of unlawful killing and use of lights. They were ordered to pay $15,000 in fines and $5,000 in replacement costs. The juvenile will lose their hunting and trapping privileges for 28 years and will have to forfeit all firearms used in the crime.
During the commission's investigation, the office was able to identify 19 white-tailed deer killed by the trio, however, it was noted that it is believed that there are up to 31 unlawfully killed throughout multiple townships in Somerset County. Most of the poaching was done at night where the trio would shoot from the vehicle with a spotlight. Many of the deer were left to rot while only a few were taken for consumption.
The two juveniles were known to be habitual game law violators, according to the commission.
Report poaching and wildlife crimes to the Pennsylvania Game Commission by calling the agency's 24-hour dispatch center at 1-833-PGC-HUNT or 1-833-PGC-WILD, or call the Operation Game Thief toll-free hotline at 1-888-PGC-8001.
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