RENO, Nev. (AP) — An 18-month investigation into big-game poaching in Nevada has netted three convictions on charges ranging from the illegal killing of three trophy elk to interfering with state investigators.
Chief Nevada Game Warden Tyler Turnipseed said Tuesday it's one of the "most bizarre cases" he's seen in years.
The three-state probe began in October 2015 at a northeast Nevada ranch along the Idaho and Utah state lines.
The most serious charges involved 69-year-old Steven Bennett of West Valley, Utah, who pleaded no contest to poaching charges in Nevada and Utah. He was ordered to serve 18 months' probation, do 40 hours of community service and pay $16,000 restitution to an anti-poaching fund.
Amy Jo Summers of Tremonton, Utah was fined $2,000 for possessing unlawfully killed big game. Susanne Bedke of Oakley, Idaho was fined $680 for obstructing the investigation.