November 29, 2011
From Dec.NY.gov
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) police
officers recently concluded a blanket deer taking enforcement detail in
the Capital Region and surrounding areas in conjunction with the states
of Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont, DEC announced today.
Environmental Conservation Officers (ECO) worked in conjunction with
their counterparts in neighboring states to set up saturation patrols to
target illegal deer shooting with the use of an artificial light, a
practice commonly known as deer jacking. Typically, deer jacking occurs
in remote rural areas, throughout the night. During this operation,
which took place in late October and the first three weeks of November,
ECOs worked long hours and often confronted armed individuals.
"The vast majority of hunters pursue and take game legally," said DEC
Law Enforcement Major Tim Duffy. "We work closely with the sporting
community to stop individuals from illegally taking game to the
detriment of wildlife populations and the legal efforts of honest
hunters."
ECOs are out in full force this time of year patrolling, staking out,
and observing the lands on which people take deer. They are in uniform
and undercover; they are in vehicles and on foot; they are checking
licenses and watching over deer decoys.
Below is a list of individuals ticketed by ECOs for violating New
York's Environmental Conservation Laws in the Capital Region and
surrounding areas.
Saratoga County
On October 20, an ECO staked out the Hans Creek Road in the town of
Providence for poachers using lights to take deer. A vehicle turned on
to the road and immediately a spotlight shined from the car sweeping the
field along the road. The ECO observed a firearm pointing out from the
car and heard a shot fired while a doe deer was illuminated by the
spotlight. The vehicle continued down the road to the ECOs vehicle and
was stopped. A second ECO arrived at the scene and the three occupants
of the car were interviewed. All were issued summonses to appear in the
town of Providence Justice Court as follows:
Craig Dufare, 18, of Middle Grove was charged with taking wildlife
from a motor vehicle, possessing a loaded long gun in a motor vehicle,
using of light while possessing an unsecured gun, illegally taking
protected wildlife, discharging a firearm across a public highway, and
shooting deer with rim fire ammunition. He faces up to $4,000 in fines
and up to three years in jail.
Elizabeth Lewis, 18, of Middle Grove was charged with possessing a
loaded long gun in a motor vehicle, taking big game without a license
and using a light and while possessing an unsecured gun. She faces up to
$2,250 in fines and up to two years in jail.
A 16-year old male in the vehicle was charged with taking big game
without a license, taking deer with the aid of an artificial light,
possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, attempting to take
wildlife with aid of motor vehicle and discharging a firearm across a
public highway. He faces maximum possible penalties of $4,000 in fines
and up to three years and one month in jail.
On Nov 15, Christopher Columbe, 26, and Justin Carr, 26, both of
Saratoga Springs were both charged with operating an artificial light on
lands inhabited by deer while in possession of a firearm. Both men were
served summons to appear in the town of Northumberland Justice Court.
Columbe and Carr each face maximum penalties of $1,000 in fines and up
to 90 days in jail.
Albany County
On October 29, Mark Meringolo, 42, of Athens was charged with
shooting deer over bait, a violation. He was issued a summons to appear
in Rensselaerville Town Court. Meringolo faces a maximum of $250 in
fines and up to 15 days in jail.
On November 5, John Facci, 40, of Schenectady was charged with
shooting deer over bait, a violation. He was issued a summons to appear
in Colonie Town Court and faces a maximum of $250 in fines and up to 15
days in jail.
On November 9, Drew McCardle, 50, of Delanson was charged with taking
a doe deer without a permit, taking a deer with a firearm during bow
season (both misdemeanors), and hunting without a license, a violation.
He was issued summonses to appear Knox Town Court. McCardle faces a
maximum of $4,250 in fines and up to two years in jail.
On November 15, Joshua Beck, 18, of Slingerlands was charged with
using a spotlight within 500 feet of a dwelling, a violation. He was
issued a summons to appear in Guilderland Town Court. Beck faces a
maximum of $250 in fines and up to 15 days in jail.
On November 18, John Mister, 53, of Greenville was charged with
illegal possession of wildlife and failure to tag deer, both violations.
He was issued a summons to appear in Westerlo Town Court. Mister faces a
maximum of $500 in fines and up to 30 days in jail.
On November 19, Stephen West, 28, of Mayfield (Fulton County) was
charged with possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, a
misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear in Berne Town Court. West
faces a maximum of $1000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
On November 19, Mark Ginter, 37, of Gloversville was charged with
possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. He was
issued a summons to appear in Berne Town Court. Ginter faces a maximum
of $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
On November 19, Charles Welsh, 40, of Rensselaerville was charged
with possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. He
was issued a summons to appear in Berne Town Court. Welsh faces a
maximum of $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
On November 20, Kenneth Davey, 49, of Richmondville was charged with
possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. He was
issued a summons to appear in Rensselaerville Town Court. Davey faces a
maximum of $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
On November 20, Mark McNally, 50, of Queens was charged with hunting
with a rifle in a prohibited county, a misdemeanor. He was issued a
summons to appear in Rensselaerville Town Court. McNally faces a maximum
of $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
On November 20, Ando Carmello, 52, of Stanfordville (Dutchess County)
was charged with hunting with a rifle in a prohibited county, a
misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear in Rensselaerville Town
Court. Carmello faces a maximum of $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in
jail.
On November 20, Frank Scavetta, 52, of Queens was charged with
hunting with a rifle in a prohibited county, a misdemeanor. He was
issued a summons to appear in Rensselaerville Town Court. Scavetta faces
a maximum of $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
On November 26, Fred Oliver, 69, of Delmar was charged with shooting
deer over bait, a violation. He was issued a summons to appear in
Bethlehem Town Court. Oliver faces a maximum of $250 in fines and up to
15 days in jail.
On November 27, Mario Pennacchia, 52, of Schenectady was charged with
taking a doe deer without a permit (a misdemeanor), discharging a bow
within 500 feet of a residence and shooting deer over bait, both
violations. He was issued summonses to appear Knox Town Court. McCardle
faces up to $2,500 in fines and up to one year in jail.
Schenectady County
On November 18, Michael Wheeler, 48, of Schenectady was charged with
illegal possession of a doe deer and taking a deer with a firearm during
bow season, both misdemeanors. He was issued summonses to appear in
Princetown Town Court. Wheeler faces a maximum of $4,000 in fines and up
to two years in jail.
Rensselaer County
On October 25, Jamie Sears, 40, of Pittsfield, MA was charged with
shooting at game after hours and hunting without a back tag (both
violations) and making a false statement while applying for a license, a
misdemeanor. He was issued summonses to appear in the town of Petersburg
Justice Court. He faces a maximum of $700 in fines and up to three
months in jail.
On October 25, Nicholas Lentine, 30, of Pownal, VT was charged with
failure to carry a big game license while hunting, a violation. Lentine
was issued an appearance ticket returnable in Petersburg Justice Court
and faces up to $250 in fines and/or 15 days in jail.
On October 26, Matthew Sadlowski, 21, of Johnsonville was charged
with spotlighting with an unsecure bow in a motor vehicle, a violation.
Sadlowski was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Pittstown
Justice Court and faces up to $250 in fines and up to 125 days in jail.
On November 1, Kenneth Luskin, 43, of Pittstown was charged with
failure to tag a deer, a violation. Luskin was issued an appearance
ticket returnable to Pittstown Justice Court and faces up to $250 in
fines and up to 15 days in jail.
On November 13, James W. Roberts, 44, of Mechanicville was charged
with shooting over bait, a violation. Roberts was issued an appearance
ticket returnable to Pittstown Justice Court and faces up to $250 in
fines and up to 15 days in jail.
On November 5, Carlos I. Correa, 52, of Troy was charged with hunter
trespass, a violation. Correa was issued an appearance ticket returnable
to Pittstown Justice Court and faces up to $250 in fines and up to 15
days in jail.
On November 1, Steven Torres, 40, of Watervliet was charged with
hunter trespass, a violation. Torres was issued an appearance ticket
returnable to North Greenbush Justice Court and faces up to $250 in
fines and up to 15 days in jail.
On November 6, Paul A. Jerominek, 47, of Troy was charged with the
misdemeanor of unlawful take of a deer and the violation of hunting
without a license. Resolution of the matter is pending in Brunswick Town
Court where Jerominek faces up to $2,000 in fines and up to 90 days in
jail.
On November 27, Brian Jones of Berlin, 22, and John MacMillen, 22, of
Poestenkill were each charged with taking deer with the aid of an
artificial light, possessing a loaded gun in a motor vehicle and taking
wildlife from a motor vehicle, all misdemeanors. Additionally, Jones was
charged with the misdemeanor of shooting two deer over bait and the
violation of hunting without a big game license during the archery only
season. Resolution of the charges are pending in Berlin Town Court where
MacMillen faces a fine of up to $5,000 and up to 270 days in jail and
Jones faces a fine of up to $9,000 and up to a year in jail.
On November 13, Tom Gill, 22, of Nassau was charged with shooting
deer with a gun during archery season and with hunting without a
license, both violations. Gill was issued appearance tickets returnable
to Nassau Justice Court and faces a fine of up to $500 and up to 15 days
in jail.
On November 11, Fred Beagle, 34, of Cambridge was charged with
possessing a loaded gun in a motor vehicle (a misdemeanor) and a traffic
infraction of an unregistered vehicle. Beagle was issued an appearance
ticket returnable to Pittstown Justice Court and faces up to $1,000 in
fines and up to 90 days in jail.
Columbia County
On November 10, Todd Hall, 44, of Austerlitz and David Hall, 43, of
Chatham were charged with possession of an unsecured firearm in a motor
vehicle while spotlighting, a misdemeanor. Both were issued an
appearance tickets returnable to Austerlitz Justice Court and face up to
$1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
On November 24, Dominick Popp, 74, of Gallatin was issued appearance
tickets for the illegal taking of deer and shooting over a bait pile.
Popp appeared in Gallatin Town Court, apologized for his actions and
paid a $750 fine.
Montgomery County
On November 10, Jeremy Harrington, 38, of Canajoharie was charged
with taking a deer with a firearm during bow season (a misdemeanor) and
trespassing on posted land, a violation. He was issued summonses to
appear Palatine Town Court and faces up to $2,250 in fines and up to one
year in jail.
On November 11, Joseph Moreau, 54, of Nelliston was charged with
illegally taking a deer (a misdemeanor) and trespassing on posted land,
a violation. He was issued summonses to appear Palatine Town Court and
faces up to $2,250 in fines and up to one year in jail.
On November 23, Dylan Slater, 20, of Canajoharie was charged with
illegal possession of a doe deer, a misdemeanor. He was issued a summons
to appear in Glen Town Court and faces up to $2,000 in fines and up to
one year in jail.
On November 20, Timothy Ferguson, 42, of Broadalbin was charged with
illegal possession of a doe deer, a misdemeanor. He was issued summonses
to appear in Florida Town Court and faces up to $2,000 in fines and up
to one year in jail.
On November 20, Nick Henderson, 23, of Schenectady was charged with
illegal possession of wildlife and possessing the license and tags of
another, both violations. He was issued a summons to appear in Florida
Town Court and faces up to $500 in fines and up to 30 days in jail.
Warren County
On October 3, a New York State Trooper and an ECO charged Matthew
Cleveland, 18, of Weavertown with taking deer with the aid of an
artificial light, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling,
discharging a firearm across a public highway and taking a doe deer
during the closed season - all misdemeanors. He was issued summonses to
appear in the town of Johnsburg Justice Court. Cleveland faces up to
$6,000 in fines and up to one year in jail.
Washington County
On September 13, three Ticonderoga men were charged with deer jacking
in the town of Putnam. Jesse Mars, 24, Adam Mosier, 26, and Nicholas
Vlamis, 26, were each charged with taking deer with the aid of an
artificial light, taking deer during the closed season, using lights in
a motor vehicle while in possession of a firearm, discharging a firearm
from a public highway, and possessing a loaded firearm in a motor
vehicle. All charges are misdemeanors punishable by up to $6,000 in
fines and up to one year in jail. All three men were issued summonses to
appear in the town of Putnam Justice Court.
On November 13, Robert D. Wilson, 37, of Hebron, Stephanie A. Defoe,
24, of Hudson Falls, and Mark Havens, 35, of Glens Falls were each
charged with operating a spotlight on lands inhabited by deer while in
possession of three long guns and a longbow, a misdemeanor. All three
were issued summonses to appear in the town of Hebron Justice Court.
Each face up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
On November 17, Justin Phillips, 22, of Whitehall was charged with
operating lights on lands inhabited by deer while in possession of a
firearm, a misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear before the
town of Whitehall Justice Court. Phillips faces up to $1,000 in fines
and up to 90 days in jail.
On November 19, Tabor Joiner, 26, of Glens Falls and Christopher
Paige, 36, of Hudson Falls were charged with operating a spotlight on
lands inhabited by deer while in possession of a firearm, a misdemeanor.
The two were also allegedly in possession of a loaded air rifle. Both
were issued summonses to appear before the town of Kingsbury Justice
Court. Joiner and Paige each face maximum possible penalties of $2,000
in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
On November 13, Joshua L. Phillips, 24, of Salem was charged with
operating a spotlight on lands inhabited by deer while in possession of
a crossbow, a misdemeanor. He was issued summonses to appear in the town
of White Creek Justice Court. Phillips faces up to $1,000 in fines and
up to 90 days in jail.
Below is a list of individuals ticketed by ECOs for violating New
York's Environmental Conservation Laws in the Adirondacks and the North
Country.
Clinton County
On November 12, Matthew Heywood, 34, of Burrillville, RI and Timothy
Heywood, 48, of Blackstone, MA, were both charged with using a spotlight
with unsecured firearm, a misdemeanor. Both men were issued summonses to
appear in the town of Black Brook Justice Court. The Heywoods each face
up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
Essex County
On September 22, Rourk Nielsen, 18, of Ticonderoga was charged with
taking a deer during the closed season, a misdemeanor. He was issued a
summons to appear before the town of Ticonderoga Justice Court. Nielsen
faces up to $2,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
On September 29, James Flora, 21, of Plattsburgh was charged with
discharging a bow across a public highway and taking deer from a public
highway, both violations. He was issued summonses to appear in the town
of Chesterfield Justice Court. Flora faces up to $500 in fines and up to
15 days in jail.
On October 13, Larry Cooney, 38, of Elizabethtown was charged with
discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling (a misdemeanor) and
taking a pheasant by means not permitted, a violation. He was issued
summonses to appear in the town of Westport Justice Court and faces up
to $1,250 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
On October 14, William Leclair, 55, of Port Douglas was charged with
possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. He was
issued a summons to appear in the town of Chesterfield Justice Court and
faces up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
On October 22, Michael Clarke, 21, of Keeseville was charged with
using lights on lands inhabited by deer while in possession of a long
gun in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear
in the town of Chesterfield Justice Court and faces up to $1,000 in
fines and up to 90 days in jail.
On October 22, Jason Ryan, 19, of Keeseville was charged with using
lights on lands inhabited by deer while in possession of a long gun in a
motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear in the
town of Chesterfield Justice Court and faces up to $1,000 in fines and
up to 90 days in jail.
On October 23, Daniel Grey, 42, of Ticonderoga was charged with
possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. He was
issued a summons to appear before the town of Crown Point Justice Court
and faces up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
On November 11, Harold Bailey, 56, of Keeseville was charged with
possessing a firearm while using an artificial light, a misdemeanor. He
was issued a summons to appear in the town of Chesterfield Justice Court
and faces up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
Franklin County
On October 14, Nicholas Francis, 21, and Travis Stacey, 21, both of
Akwesasne were charged with illegal possession of a deer (a misdemeanor)
and taking a doe deer without a permit, a violation. Each was issued
summonses to appear before the town of Bombay Justice Court. Francis and
Stacey each face up to $1,250 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
On October 20, Westley Dermody, 53, of Keeseville was charged with
shooting deer over bait, a violation. He was issued a summons to appear
in the town of Franklin Justice Court and faces up to $250 in fines and
up to 15 days in jail.
On October 21, Carl F. Shantie, 54, of North Bangor was charged with
unlawful feeding of deer and shooting deer over bait, both violations.
He was issued summonses to appear before the town of Brandon Justice
Court and faces up to $500 in fines and up to 15 days in jail.
On October 21, Justin Racicot, 24, from Constable and Scott K.
Messenger, 21, and Darrin J. Jeffery, 20, both of North Bangor were
charged with using lights on lands inhabited by deer while in possession
of a long gun in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. They were issued
summonses to appear before the town of Moira Justice Court. Each man
faces up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
On October 22, Kevin T. Jessey, 23, of Plattsburgh was charged with
shooting deer over bait, a violation. He was issued a summons to appear
before the town of Brighton Justice Court and faces up to $250 in fines
and up to 15 days in jail.
On October 27, Timothy W. Rock, 52, of Gabriels was charged with
shooting deer over bait and shooting during closed hours, both
violations. He was issued summonses to appear before the town of
Brighton Justice Court and faces up to $500 in fines and up to 15 days
in jail.
Hamilton County
On October 22, Joseph Meyer, 61, of Mechanicville (Saratoga County)
was charged with feeding whitetail deer and shooting deer over bait,
both violations. He was issued summonses to appear before the town of
Indian Lake Justice Court. Meyer faces up to $500 in fines and up to 30
days in jail.
Responding to an ATV trespass complaint in the town of Indian Lake an
ECO discovered deer and bear bait in the area. On October 22, after a
month-long investigation, three men were charged with numerous
violations of Environmental Conservation Law. Michael J. Weis, 48, of
Babylon (Suffolk County) was charged with illegally feeding bear and
deer, placing a salt lick on lands inhabited by deer and bear, ATV
infractions (all violations), and illegally discharging sewage, a
misdemeanor. Vincent Pizzello, 58, of West Islip (Suffolk County) was
charged with illegally feeding deer, shooting deer over bait and failure
to carry hunting license and carcass tags while hunting, all violations.
George M. Saraiva, 42, of New City (Rockland County) was charged with
illegally feeding deer and shooting deer over bait, both violations. The
three men were issued summonses to appear before the town of Indian Lake
Justice Court. Weis faces maximum penalties of $38,750 in fines and up
to one year and 90 days in jail. Pizzello faces up to $750 in fines and
up to 45 days in jail. Saraiva faces up to $500 in fines and up to 30
days in jail.
On September 17, the opening day of early bear season, David Willet
Jr., 32, of Troy was charged with feeding bears, shooting bears over
bait and killing a bear over bait. He pleaded guilty in town of Long
Lake Justice Court to all three charges. Willet paid more than $800 in
fines and the bear he killed was seized at the taxidermist and forfeited
to the state.
Fulton County
On October 17, after investigating a complaint of illegal hunting and
the illegal transfer of tags two Fulton County men were charged with a
number of violations of Environmental Conservation Law. Charles Holland,
39, of Perth was charged with taking over the limit of whitetail deer, a
misdemeanor with maximum possible penalties of $2,000 in fines and one
year in jail. Larry Johnson Jr., 41, of Gloversville was charged with
unlawful transfer of a tag to another, no consignment slip, and
illegally possessing protected wildlife - all violations. He faces up to
$750 in fines and up to 45 days in jail. Holland and Johnson were issued
summonses to appear in the town of Perth Justice Court.
On October 22, the opening day of the Northern Zone deer season, ECOs
observed a car stopped along a road in the town of Oppenheim where a
decoy had been set up. A person exited the vehicle with a firearm and
took a shot at a deer decoy set up in view of the road. ECOs stopped the
vehicle and with the subsequent assistance of a New York State Trooper
charged two men in the vehicle with a number of violations. James J.
George Jr., 28, of Oppenheim was charged with possessing a loaded
firearm in a motor vehicle, discharging a gun over a public highway and
possession of marijuana. Both men were issued summonses to appear in the
town of Oppenheim Justice Court. George faces up to $2,350 in fines and
up to 90 days in jail.
If you have information regarding illegal hunting activities, please
contact the DEC Turn in Poachers & Polluters (TIPP) line at
1-800-847-TIPP (7332).
