IRONTON, OH – Two men recently pled guilty in Lawrence County Municipal Court for several wildlife violations including jacklighting (spotlighting) deer and fleeing from wildlife officers according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

On November 21, 2009, wildlife officers observed a vehicle that was spotlighting deer in Lawrence County.  When officials attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled, leading wildlife officials on a pursuit ending at a nearby residence.  Officers recovered a rifle and spotlight that was thrown from the vehicle during the pursuit. 

Mitchell L. Berry, 22 of Scottown pled guilty to charges of deterring a wildlife officer, jacklighting, and aiding another in a wildlife violation.  Berry was assessed fines and court costs totaling $1,685.  His sentence included 60 days of jail time with 59 suspended, two years probation and three years of hunting license revocation.  

Stacy D. Key, 35 of Midway, TN pled guilty to jacklighting, possession of untagged deer parts, failure to comply with the orders of a wildlife officer and improper handling of a firearm.  Key’s sentencing includes $1185 in fines and court costs, 60 days of jail time with 58 suspended, two years probation and three years of hunting license revocation.