Prosecutors reach agreement in hunting violation case
Associated Press
Published Sunday, June 08, 2008
JAMESTOWN, N.D. - State and federal prosecutors have reached separate
plea agreements in the case of a Streeter, N.D., couple and outfitting
business facing hunting-related charges centering on the lack of a
proper license.
In state court, Coteau Prairie Waterfowl, Whitetail, and Upland Bird
Hunts of Streeter ND Inc. is to pay about $30,000 in restitution to 17
groups of clients, said Troy LeFevre, Stutsman County assistant state's
attorney.
In the federal plea deal, the government recommends that the
corporation be given 18 months probation and pay restitution of $5,000.
Owner Brenda Schlecht also could not apply for a guiding or outfitting
license in the future, though she would not face charges in the case as
an individual.
The federal government also would not bring charges against Sheldon
Schlecht, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Hayden.
"I had no solid, substantiating evidence that Sheldon Schlecht was
actively involved in guiding or actively committing wildlife
violations," Hayden said. The state case against Sheldon Schlecht is
pending. LeFevre said he is awaiting a trial date.
Two former guides at Coteau Prairie also have been sentenced after
making plea deals in separate federal cases. Josh Yonke and Dwight
Dockter were given probation, ordered to pay fines and will lose their
hunting privileges in North America for a time.
Some Coteau Prairie clients also were issued tickets, some involving
Lacey Act violations, Hayden said. The Lacey Act prohibits transporting
illegally taken game across state lines.
