Bobby Neul Skidmore, Carbofuran Misuse, Kentucky 2009

Frankfort, KY – A Kentucky man has been sentenced for the illegal and deadly misuse of a restricted-use pesticide, resulting in the death of a protected migratory bird. Bobby Neul Skidmore, of an undisclosed location in Kentucky, pled guilty in February 2009 to federal charges stemming from an incident in October 2008, according to court records obtained by GrimyTimes.

The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division, revealed that Skidmore intentionally coated chicken meat with carbofuran, a highly toxic pesticide, and placed it around his property as bait. Carbofuran is a restricted-use pesticide due to its extreme toxicity, requiring specialized training and licensing for application. Its use is strictly regulated to prevent harm to non-target species, including wildlife and humans.

The baiting practice proved fatal when a red-tailed hawk consumed the poisoned chicken. The hawk, a protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, quickly succumbed to the effects of the carbofuran. Investigators determined Skidmore’s actions constituted an unlawful application of the pesticide, inconsistent with its registered labeling and a direct violation of federal law.

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Legal Ramifications

Skidmore was formally charged on October 16, 2008, with one count of violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) – specifically 7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(2)(G) and 7 U.S.C. 136l(b)(1)(B) – for the unlawful use of the pesticide. He was also charged with one count violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703, 16 U.S.C. 707(a)). These charges carry significant penalties due to the environmental and wildlife protection concerns.

On February 11, 2009, Skidmore entered a guilty plea, accepting responsibility for his actions. As part of the sentencing, Judge [Judge’s name not available in source data] ordered Skidmore to pay $500 in restitution to victims impacted by the crime, a $2,000 federal fine, and a $35 special assessment fee. While the financial penalties are relatively modest, the case serves as a warning about the severe consequences of misusing pesticides and endangering protected wildlife.

Key Facts

Defendant: Bobby Neul Skidmore
State: Kentucky
Year: 2009
Crime: Illegal pesticide application resulting in wildlife death
Pesticide Used: Carbofuran (restricted use)
Victim: Red-tailed Hawk (protected under Migratory Bird Treaty Act)
Laws Violated: 7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(2)(G), 7 U.S.C. 136l(b)(1)(B), 16 U.S.C. 703, 16 U.S.C. 707(a)
Penalties: $500 Restitution, $2,000 Fine, $35 Assessment

The EPA continues to aggressively pursue enforcement actions against individuals and entities who violate pesticide regulations and endanger the environment. This case highlights the agency’s commitment to protecting both human health and the nation’s wildlife resources. GrimyTimes will continue to follow this and other environmental crime cases as they develop.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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