Six people charged in alleged poaching ring, says KY Fish and Wildlife
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Six people are facing charges related to an alleged poaching ring following a year-long investigation.
According to a release, the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources 3rd District is investigating a group that they believe is responsible for the illegal killing of several hundred animals, including deer, turkey, fox and a domestic pet.
KYFW says Game Warden Sgt. Thomas Blackwell and then Game Warden Steven Nelson conducted a traffic stop of the group on July 16, 2024.
The wardens say they located the individuals using high-powered lights to illuminate fields from a vehicle on public roadways. This practice is known as spotlighting.
A search of the vehicle was conducted and multiple .22-caliber firearms, spotlighting equipment and open alcoholic beverages were located, according to the release.
The wardens say the suspects told them they were raccoon hunting. No open season was active during the time of the incident.
According to the release, Game Warden Sgt. Steven Nelson and Game Warden Logan Reynolds investigated the suspects further and uncovered a coordinated effort to illegally take wildlife in Grayson and Hardin counties.
The investigation resulted in 116 criminal charges.
CHARGED:
- Allen Sauer (21, Leitchfield): Charged with 76 violations, including 52 counts of illegal take of deer/turkey, spotlighting, animal cruelty and unlawful transaction with a minor.
- Aden Walker (21, Elizabethtown): Charged with illegal take of wildlife, spotlighting and discharging a firearm from a roadway.
- Malachi Delatour (18, Leitchfield): Charged with illegal take, animal cruelty and unlawful transaction with a minor.
- Joshua Stevenson (20, Leitchfield): Charged with illegal take and hunting without permission.
- Bradley Webb (18, Leitchfield): Charged with illegal take and taking wildlife from a vehicle.
- Madison Whittington (20, Leitchfield): Charged with illegal take of deer/turkey.
