Members of two different families in eastern Utah face time in jail, fines and other penalties for their involvement in multiple elk and deer poaching incidents.
Conservation officers with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) conducted a detailed investigation that led to the arrest of Kenny Swenson Jr., a convicted felon. He, his wife, a son and a stepson all illegally killed elk and deer. When arrested, Swenson also illegally possessed more than 50 guns as well as various drugs including heroine and meth.
Swenson could serve up to 10 years in prison and pay $24,000 in fines for his Utah crimes. He is currently serving time in a federal prison in Oregon. Other members of his family face other penalties. Find more details here.
Also in eastern Utah, DWR officers arrested Billy and Jennifer Thompson. They admitted to poaching at least six elk and two deer. Billy will pay almost $17,000 in restitution and fines, serve 107 days in jail and be on probation for 36 months. He might also lose his hunting privileges for the next 65 years in 47 states, including Utah, as part of the Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact. Go here to find more details about this case.
(Photo source: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)