Pittsburgh, PA – Toxic Pesticide Crimes Land Beaver County Farmer and Employee in Jail
Two Western Pennsylvania men, Robert Yost and Jacob Reese, have been sentenced for their roles in poisoning migratory birds with a banned toxic pesticide. United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced the sentencing on May 29, 2024.
United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy handed down the sentences, including a year of probation, $21,000 fine, and 100 hours of community service for Robert Yost, 52, of New Galilee. Jacob Reese, 27, of Enon Valley, received a year of probation, a $5,500 fine, and 50 hours of community service.
The evidence presented at trial revealed that Yost and Reese conspired to kill migratory birds on leased farmland using carbofuran, a registered restricted-use pesticide. The pesticide was banned by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2009 due to its unacceptable risks to humans and the environment.
The duo used whole kernel corn coated in carbofuran to attract and kill migratory birds, including 17 Canada geese, 10 red-winged blackbirds, and one mallard duck. Yost and Reese took steps to conceal their actions, destroying evidence and lying to officials from the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jacqueline C. Brown and Nicole A. Stockey, along with Special Assistant United States Attorney Perry D. McDaniel, prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. United States Attorney Olshan commended the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Office of Law Enforcement, Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division, Pennsylvania Game Commission, and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for their investigation and successful prosecution.
The Court emphasized that the defendants’ crimes were serious, posing a risk to the environment and the public’s trust in their food source. Judge Hardy noted the defendants’ lack of remorse and stated that the community service would serve to redeem the public’s trust in safe and ethical farming practices.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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