Coeur d’Alene Man Pleads Guilty to Unauthorized Use of National Forest Lands
A Coeur d’Alene man has pleaded guilty to a federal crime after he was accused of using National Forest lands without authorization. Peter Todd Gokey, 46, of Blanchard, Idaho, pleaded guilty yesterday to the unauthorized use of National Forest lands, announced U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson.
According to the plea agreement, Gokey admitted that on and prior to January 15, 2013, he went on U.S. Forest Service land with the intent to cut down timber on the land, an activity that requires special-use authorization issued by the Forest Service. The defendant had not applied for a special-use authorization to deforest the land when scouting the land for clearing.
Gokey was indicted by a federal grand jury in Coeur d’Alene on March 18, 2014. The case was investigated by the U.S. Forest Service.
Use or occupancy of the National Forest System land or facilities without special-use authorization is punishable by up to six months in prison or five years of probation, and a maximum fine of $500.00.
Sentencing is set for February 18, 2015, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy W. Dale at the federal courthouse in Coeur d’Alene.
The U.S. Forest Service had not provided any further information on the case. The investigation is ongoing.
The case highlights the importance of following regulations when using public lands.
Defendant Information: Peter Todd Gokey, 46, of Blanchard, Idaho
Criminal Charges: Unauthorized Use of National Forest lands
City and State: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Crime Date: January 15, 2013, and prior
Sentence or Outcome: Guilty Plea
Dollar Amounts: $500.00 maximum fine
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Key Facts
- State: Idaho
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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