Mount Ayr man facing federal wildlife charges
April 3, 2009

MOUNT AYR, Iowa - The former operator of a deer hunting service in southwest Iowa is facing federal wildlife charges.

James Juergens, of Mount Ayr, was charged Wednesday with seven counts of violating the federal Lacey Act. The act prohibits the sale and purchase of wildlife that had been unlawfully taken and transported in interstate commerce.

Juergens ran the Lott's Creek Inn between September 2003 and October 2005. The indictment alleges that Juergens devised and participated in a scheme that included hunting with improper licenses during the offseason and in killing and illegally transporting protected animals across state lines.

Juergens faces up to five years in prison and a $20,000 fine on each count.