Michael T. Ban, Lacey Act Violation, Nebraska 2024

Lincoln, Nebraska - In a shocking turn of events, Michael T. Ban, 50, of Elbert, Colorado, was sentenced to 2 years' probation for violating the Lacey Act. The crime was committed in September 2019 when Ban unlawfully shot a mule deer in Lincoln County, Nebraska.

According to the investigation, Ban, a commercial big game guiding business owner, traveled to Noble Outdoors in North Platte, Nebraska, to hunt mule deer during the archery season. On September 6, 2019, at approximately 11:12 P.M., Ban shot a mule deer buck with 5 X 5 antlers in velvet without a valid deer permit and during closed season hours. He then purchased a Nebraska Non-resident Archery Deer Permit the following day to conceal the fact that the deer was taken without a permit.

As part of his probation terms, Ban is prohibited from hunting, fishing, trapping, providing guiding or outfitting services, or assisting or being present with anyone engaged in those activities for one year. Ban was also ordered to pay a fine of $5,000 and restitution in the amount of $4,000.

The investigation was a joint effort between the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Law Enforcement Division. This is just one of many cases related to violations committed by Noble Outdoors and its owner, associates, and clients between 2015 and 2021.

In total, 17 defendants have been sentenced and ordered to pay more than $65,000 in fines and restitution for state and federal violations related to the interstate transport of unlawfully taken wildlife, shooting deer from the road, taking deer and pronghorn without a valid permit, taking deer with a firearm during archery season, taking deer during night-time closed season hours, dumping carcasses in waters of the state, hunting without permission, and improperly checking or registering big game.

Michael T. Ban, Defendant: Michael T. Ban, Crime: Lacey Act Violation, State: Nebraska, Year: 2024, Sentence: 2 years' probation, Fine: $5,000, Restitution: $4,000.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ne/pr/colorado-hunter-sentenced-lacey-act-violation-stemming-nebraska-hunt