HUNTINGDON – An investigation into a poaching incident that occurred on Oct. 31, has resulted in a Reedsville man facing multiple charges, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission officials.
On Dec. 1, Mifflin County Wildlife Conservation Office Jeffrey G. Mock charged Jeremy Jones, 29, with six counts of unlawful use of lights while hunting, one count of restrictions on recreational spotlight and one count of dumping. All charges were filed today at Magisterial District Judge Hunter’s office in Reedsville.
On the night of Oct. 31, it is alleged that Jones killed six deer with the aid of an artificial light in New Lancaster Valley, Armagh Township, Mifflin County. According to the investigation, the deer were taken to a garage in Milroy, where they were partially butchered. Jones then took the carcasses and dumped them along the road in Lingle Valley.
Deputy WCO Shawn Dillon discovered the deer only three hours after they were dumped. Within a week, officers had a suspect, but lacked all the evidence to prove it.
“Ultimately, information provided by the public made the difference,” Mock said. “This case would not have been solved without the help of the public. We needed help, asked for it, and the public delivered.
“This case upset a lot of Mifflin County residents and sportsman and women across the Commonwealth. I’m glad that we were able to successfully complete the investigation and file the appropriate charges.”
ADDITIONAL DEER POACHING IN HUNTINGDON COUNTY SOLVED
HUNTINGDON — Information provided by hunters and other residents impatient with illegal activities enabled Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officers to charge several persons for illegal acts in Huntingdon County.
Christopher M. Secrest, 22, Mapleton Depot; James E. Copenhaver III, 19, Mt. Union; David L. Grove, 21, McVeytown; Cletus E. Pittman Jr., 21, Three Springs; and Joseph M. Smith, 24, Newton Hamilton, have all been charged by the Game Commission for multiple violations occurring on the evening of Nov. 7. Violations included unlawful taking and possession of wildlife, making false statements, trespassing while hunting, use of unlawful devices and methods and unlawful use of lights while hunting.
On the evening of Nov. 7, hunters reported seeing a van spotlighting and hearing gunshots coming from the vehicle on Schoolhouse Hollow Road near Stone Creek Ridge. The same hunters later found the poached deer and recovered spent shell casings before calling the Game Commission.
The next day, acting upon additional information received from the hunters, Game Commission officers apprehended Secrest as he attempted to walk home after being dropped off by an accomplice to retrieve the deer illegally killed the night before. Further investigation revealed that Copenhaver, Grove, Pittman and Smith also were participants in illegally killing the deer.
Charges have been filed before District Justice Richard Wilt of Huntingdon.
In another unrelated Huntingdon County incident, on Nov. 14, a concerned citizen provided vital details leading to the apprehension of two Fannettsburg residents who shot an eight-point antlered deer with a spotlight around 11 p.m. in Dublin Township, south of Shade Gap.
In the Nov. 14 case, Max L. Bawell, 39, and Michael S. Keck, 49, were charged with the use of unlawful devices and methods, loaded firearms in vehicles and unlawful use of lights while hunting.
During an investigation by Deputy WCOs Lanny Cornelius and Craig Cloud, it was determined that Bawell and Keck conspired to shoot the deer under a spotlight with a high-powered rifle. A citizen who contacted the Game Commission observed them. District WCO Rod Danley said, “This was a massive-body deer, well in excess of 200 pounds and would have been a real trophy by anyone’s standards.”
Although Bawell and Keck returned to the scene in their truck several times to retrieve the deer, the citizen thwarted them in their attempts until apprehended by Game Commission officers. Charges are pending before District Judge Mary Jamison of Orbisonia