Donald B. Reed, 49, of Reynoldsburg, has been convicted of 17 misdemeanor wildlife violations in connection to the illegal harvest and possession of a prize-winning trophy deer, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Wildlife investigators said Reed harvested and checked an antlered deer on Nov. 15, 2007 then killed a second antlered deer, which was checked on Nov. 22. Reed subsequently entered the second buck in three radio station contests, earning cash and merchandise prizes in the process.
Reed was ordered to pay a total of $5,816 in fines, restitution and court costs in Licking and Fairfield counties.
He will serve 60 days in jail, with an additional 60 days suspended for a five-year probationary period. His hunting privileges are suspended for five years and he must serve 120 hours of community service.
Three others also were convicted of several wildlife violations in Franklin County.
The convictions and sentences for all individuals are:
Dustin McQuade, 28, Blacklick: McQuade was convicted in Franklin County of two counts of hunting without a license, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. He was ordered to pay $800 restitution, $271 in fines and court costs, serve 48 hours of community service and 2 years of probation.
Robert Reed, 55, Columbus: Robert Reed was convicted of one count of failure to keep taxidermy records in Franklin County andwas ordered to pay $176 in fines and court costs.
Kyle Jones, 18, Gahanna: Jones was convicted in Franklin County of checking in a deer at a check station that was taken by another person. He was ordered to pay $176 in fines and court costs.
Anyone observing wildlife violations may call 1-800-POACHER.
