James S. Scherer, 44, of Anna, IL, pleaded guilty to five misdemeanor wildlife violations on April 11, 2013, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Scherer pleaded guilty to an Information (charging document) which charged that on November 4, 2012, on property in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge System, Scherer did knowingly distribute and hunt over a baited field, that on November 4, 2012, on property in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge System, Scherer hunted in a closed area of the wildlife refuge system; that on or about Oct. 18, 2012, on property in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge System, Scherer did knowingly distribute and hunt over a baited field; that on Oct. 18, 2012, on property in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge System, Scherer violated special regulations of the refuge system by screwing a metal object into a tree; and, that during August 2012, on property in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge System, Scherer violated special regulations by cutting, removing, or damaging any tree or vegetation, without a written permit.
Scherer was sentenced to two (2) years’ probation as to each of the charges, with all terms to run concurrently. It was a further condition that during the term of probation, Scherer shall not hunt on any public lands, state or federal. The Court also fined Scherer $1,450.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
