Jackson, Miss. – A grim reminder of the consequences for those who exploit nature’s treasures comes as four southwest Mississippi men face federal charges after an investigation into a massive illegal turkey hunt.
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Kenneth R. Britt, Jr., 51, Tony Grant Smith, 26, Barney Leon Bairfield, III, 28, and Dustin Corey Treadway, 27, are accused of exceeding the legal limit of Kansas and Nebraska wild turkeys while unlicensed in those states. They have been charged with transporting the wildlife across state lines to Mississippi, in violation of federal law.
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According to the indictment, between 2017 and 2018, the defendants traveled to Kansas and Nebraska, taking over 25 wild turkeys without proper hunting licenses and exceeding the season limit. They returned with trophy spurs and beards from the illegal kill. Additionally, Kenneth R. Britt, Jr. is charged with lying to a federal law enforcement officer, while Tony Grant Smith faces charges for killing red-shouldered hawks in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
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Today’s arraignment took place before U.S. Magistrate Judge F. Keith Ball in Jackson, with trial set for November 2, 2020, before Senior United States District Judge David C. Bramlette III.
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The potential penalties are severe: Britt could face up to 7 years in prison and a $450,000 fine; Smith faces up to 2 years and 6 months and a $215,000 fine; Bairfield up to 3 years and $300,000; and Treadway up to 1 year and $100,000.
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MDWFP Colonel Steve Adcock emphasized the commitment to conservation, stating, ‘The fine sportsmen and women of this state can rest assured that enforcement agencies will continue working to protect our natural resources.’ The investigation was led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
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As always, the public is reminded that the indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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