Gregory J. Frikken, Lacey Act Violations, Kansas 2024

The Grimy Times has uncovered a shocking case of wildlife poaching on Fort Riley in Kansas. Three men, Gregory J. Frikken, James C. Nunley, and Michael J. Smith, have been charged with violating the federal Lacey Act while hunting white-tail deer on the grounds of the Army base over the past few years.

According to the indictment, the men disregarded posted ‘off-limits’ areas, entering the land before daylight and leaving after dark. Investigators recovered evidence including deer mounts, antlers, phone data, and equipment allegedly used to harvest eight whitetail deer, three of which are considered trophy class.

The Lacey Act is a federal law that prohibits the unauthorized hunting of wildlife on public lands. If convicted, the defendants could face up to one year in jail, a maximum $10,000 fine, and a mandatory $25 special assessment fee for each Lacey Act Violation. They could also face civil forfeiture and a loss of their federal hunting privileges.

The investigation was led by the Directorate of Emergency Services, Fort Riley Conservation Law Enforcement Officers, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, and the New York State Environmental Conservation Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin A. Graham is prosecuting the case.

Gregory J. Frikken, 55, of Wamego, Kansas, has been charged with one count of criminal trespass, two counts of conspiracy to commit criminal trespass, four counts of Lacey Act violations, and one count of conspiracy to commit Lacey Act violations.

James C. Nunley, 32, of Wamego, Kansas, has been charged with five counts of Lacey Act violations, one count of criminal trespass, and one count of conspiracy to commit criminal trespass.

Michael J. Smith, 55, of Watertown, New York, has been charged with one count of criminal trespass, one count of conspiracy to commit criminal trespass, three counts of Lacey Act violations, and one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

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