Deer poachers convicted of numerous wildlife-related charges in Harrison County
A tip received by wildlife officials one year ago lead to recent convictions

FREEPORT, OH – A tip in the fall of 2008 led to the recent convictions of two Harrison County poachers according to ODNR Division of Wildlife officials. Jeff and Mike Parker, both of Freeport, Ohio were convicted of numerous wildlife-related charges in Harrison County Court. 

Jeff Parker, 22, was convicted of spotlighting, hunting without written permission, providing false information to a check station, and two counts of possessing illegal deer parts, including a 170-class whitetail buck. Parker was fined $1,000, ordered to spend five days in jail or 10 days house arrest, he was placed on two years probation, and the court revoked his hunting privileges for two years. Parker was ordered to pay $8,585 in restitution for the buck however if Parker serves 100 hours community service within Harrison County, the restitution will be suspended. Parker also lost his driving privileges for six months as a result of marijuana possession. The deer rack was ordered to be forfeited to Division of Wildlife.

Mike Parker, 53, was convicted on one count of interfering with a wildlife officer which led to a $250 fine and 90 days of jail which were suspended pending no further violations. One year of probation and the loss of hunting privileges for one year were also ordered by the court. 

In addition to the Parkers, additional perpetrators Charlie Lewis, Jr., 24, and Charlie Lewis, Sr., 55, of Freeport, and Kathryn Havens, 20, Akron were convicted of charges in conjunction with this case.

The Division of Wildlife encourages anyone who is aware of a possible violation of wildlife laws to call the Turn In a Poacher (TIP) line at 1-800-POACHER. Callers can remain anonymous. View TIP form online

Restitution:  The recovery value for individual white-tailed deer is derived from the formula listed in 1531.201 of the Ohio Revised Code.  The value is determined by measuring the antlers and using the following formula plus the value derived for wildlife.  The formula for white-tailed deer will be applied to all individuals whose gross score exceeds 125 Boone and Crockett (B&C) inches.  The formula is: Recovery Value = ((gross score-100)2 x $1.65 + the value derived in the wildlife value formula ($500 as of 3/08).