News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2010

Forensics Aid in Deer Case

FINDLAY, OH – A complaint by a landowner lead to the arrest and prosecution of a Bellville man, according to The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife

Timothy A. Steward, 25, of Bellville, Ohio was cited by State Wildlife Officers and found guilty in Mansfield Municipal Court of eight charges.  He was charged with taking a deer in the closed season, possessing a deer without legal ownership, shooting from a roadway, spotlighting, hunting without permission, interfering with a wildlife officer, litter and criminal trespassing.  After an investigation Division of Wildlife officers were able to link the illegally taken deer to Mr. Steward using forensics and DNA evidence. 

Mr. Steward paid a total of $648 in fines and court costs, $1070 in restitution, received 30 days in jail with 30 days suspended and forfeited equipment that was taken during a search warrant.

Many investigations and surveillance operations are a result of concerned citizen reports and calls to the Turn-In-A-Poacher hotline.  Callers can leave information on the TIP line 24 hours a day and may be left anonymously.  To report a wildlife violation, call 1-800-POACHER, a state wildlife officer, or submit information online.