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Two Men Plead Guilty to Goose Hunting Crimes
In a shocking case of wildlife crime, two men have pleaded guilty to the unlawful taking of migratory birds and Lacey Act Violations in South Dakota. Aaron Eich, 29, of Sioux Falls, and Chris Paclik, 21, of Brookings, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John E. Simko on July 15, 2013, and admitted to their crimes.
According to the charges, Eich and Paclik, along with a group of friends known as ‘Team Those Guys’, hunted geese between November 24, 2012, and November 29, 2012, in Miner County, South Dakota. The pair used an electronic device to kill 65 and 54 geese, respectively, despite knowing it was illegal to do so during that time of year. After killing the geese, they and others transported the dead birds from the field to various locations, violating federal law.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the cases. Eich and Paclik were released on bond pending sentencing, with Eich scheduled to be sentenced on September 5, 2013, and Paclik’s sentencing date set for August 19, 2013.
Both men face a maximum penalty of 1 year of imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, or both; 1 year of supervised release and an additional year of supervised release upon revocation; and a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The case highlights the importance of enforcing wildlife laws and protecting migratory birds. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has been working tirelessly to prevent such crimes and protect our nation’s wildlife.
Eich and Paclik’s actions not only harm the environment but also undermine the efforts of law-abiding hunters and conservationists. Their guilty pleas serve as a reminder that wildlife crimes will not be tolerated.
The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates on the sentencing of Eich and Paclik.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Wildlife Crimes|Environmental Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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