Related Federal Cases
Colorado Outfitter Pleads Guilty to Felony Conspiracy Charge
Christopher W. Loncarich, a 55-year-old big game hunting outfitter from Mack, Colorado, has pleaded guilty to a felony conspiracy charge in federal court in Denver. Loncarich’s illegal activities involved the sale of outfitting services for mountain lion and bobcat hunts in Colorado and Utah, which led to the indictment on a felony conspiracy charge to violate the Lacey Act.
The Lacey Act is a federal law that prohibits the knowingly transport or sale of wildlife taken or possessed in violation of state laws or regulations. The indictment alleged that Loncarich conspired with others to provide numerous illegal hunts of mountain lions and bobcats in Colorado and Utah from 2007 to 2010.
According to the indictment and plea agreement, Loncarich and his confederates trapped, shot, and caged mountain lions and bobcats prior to hunts to provide easier chases for clients. Loncarich also admitted to guiding several hunters who did not possess a Utah mountain lion or bobcat license on mountain lion or bobcat hunts in Utah.
The indictment alleged that Loncarich sold mountain lion hunts for between $3,500 and $7,500 and bobcat hunts for between $700 and $1,500. He shared a portion of the proceeds from successful hunts with his assistant guides.
Three of Loncarich’s assistant guides have previously pleaded guilty to Lacey Act violations in connection with their guiding activities with Loncarich. His lead assistant guide, Nicholaus J. Rodgers, pleaded guilty to a felony conspiracy charge in July 2014.
The maximum penalty for conspiring to violate the Lacey Act is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing for Loncarich is set for November 20, 2014. The case was investigated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and is being prosecuted by the Environmental Crimes Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division.
Key Facts
- State: Colorado
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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