REGION ATF aids ODNR poacher probe
ODNR officials are also investigating allegations of illegal waterfowl hunting in Trumbull County.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are investigating a man who is already facing charges of violating wildlife laws.
Frank D'Alesio, agent in charge of the Youngstown office of the ATF, said his agency was asked by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife to assist in Operation TAG, a 21-month undercover investigation. The probe culminated Monday with the issuing of court summonses to eight poaching suspects.
One of the individuals who received a summons, Daniel Cavanaugh, 38, of Richmond, Ohio, is already facing a charge of mishandling a firearm in a motor vehicle and five charges of violating wildlife laws. D'Alesio said agents are investigating and federal charges are pending.
Officials said Cavanaugh had a fully automatic rifle and explosive devices. Officials said they believe Cavanaugh was throwing the explosive devices into bushes in an attempt to get the deer to flee and then shooting at them.
Most of those receiving the summonses are from Jefferson County; however, one is a Trumbull County resident. James A. Schrecengost, 44, of Phillips-Rice Road, Mecca, is facing charges of using lead shot and over-bagging waterfowl. Federal regulations forbid the use of lead shot to hunt waterfowl.
Activities investigated
Some of those summoned are described by undercover officers as habitual poachers. Suspected illegal activities include over-harvesting, spotlighting and tagging animals in other people's names.
The charges range from first- to third-degree misdemeanors and carry a maximum fine of $1,000 and six months in jail.
Much of the illegal tagging occurred at K & amp;L deer-checking station in Richmond in Jefferson County.
ODNR officials said Tuesday that they are also investigating allegations of illegal waterfowl hunting in Trumbull County. He declined to give a location.
Daniel T. Schneider, Division of Wildlife's law enforcement executive administrator, said the investigation was initiated because of numerous poaching complaints.
Established in 1982, the TIP program allows Ohioians to call a toll-free number from anywhere in the state to report wildlife violations.
Calls regarding wildlife violations can be placed anonymously at (800) POACHER -- (800) 762-2437.
sinkovich@vindy.com