News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COLUMBUS, OH -- "Operation River Sweep," a two-year undercover wildlife law enforcement investigation conducted by officers of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, culminated today with the issue of court summons to eight suspected poachers in Adams, Brown and Scioto counties.

The individuals are accused of illegally taking waterfowl, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and turkey vultures. Much of the illegal activity is said to have occurred near the Ohio River towns of Aberdeen and Ripley, leading wildlife officials to dub their investigation "Operation River Sweep."

Issued summons were: Leonard W. McGowan, Ripley, OH (37 counts); Shay R. Wheatherspoon, Ripley, OH (25 counts); James A. Pennington, Peebles, OH (20 counts); Leonard R. McGowan, Aberdeen, OH (8 counts); Louis S. Bramel, Jr., Aberdeen, OH (4 counts); Gary C. Farmer, Rarden, OH (3 counts); Kent Smalley, Peebles, OH (2 counts); and Billie A. Schumacher, Ripley, OH (1 count). Additional actions may follow, investigators said.

Ohio wildlife officers also executed five search warrants at private residences and seized evidence. The charges, ranging from first to fourth degree misdemeanors, can carry a maximum fine of $1,000 and six months in jail.

"The alleged poachers are believed to have stolen hundreds of wild animals from the citizens of Ohio," said Michael J. Budzik, chief of the ODNR Division of Wildlife. "This should in no way reflect negatively on the image of the legitimate sportsmen and women of our state. In fact, it is because of concerned hunters who were willing to get involved that this illegal activity has now been stopped. In the future, the Division of Wildlife will not hesitate to place its officers in an undercover capacity again, if and when they are needed."

Some of those summoned are described by undercover officers as habitual poachers. Suspected illegal activities include spotlighting and shooting deer and roosted wild turkeys.

"This investigation was initiated because of numerous poaching complaints received from landowners and sportsmen along the Ohio River," said Richard T. Scott, law enforcement executive administrator for the ODNR Division of Wildlife. "We placed officers undercover because we felt that this was a unique opportunity to strike a blow against poaching and to send a strong message that we will not tolerate this behavior."

-30-

For Further Information Contact:
W. H. (Chip) Gross
ODNR Division of Wildlife
(614) 265-6325
-or-
Dan Schneider
ODNR Division of Wildlife
(614) 265-7093