[Guest]

http://www.postindependent.com/article/20060510/VALLEYNEWS/105100028

Man pleads guilty in poaching case

Bobby Magill
Post Independent Staff
May 10, 2006

Alleged poacher Richard W. Schroeder, of Festus, Mo., pleaded guilty Thursday to a felony and five misdemeanor counts for being involved in an illegal hunting operation in Garfield County with at least two other Missouri hunters.

Schroeder allegedly admitted to the Colorado Division of Wildlife that he committed several violations, including serving as a hunting guide for Gregory Jaegers' illegal Missouri-based Renegade Guide Service in 2004 and illegally killing and abandoning a black bear in Garfield County.

In a plea agreement with the district attorney, Schroeder pleaded guilty to Class 5 felony willful destruction of wildlife, and five misdemeanors including failure to dress or care for wildlife, two licensing violations, conspiracy to commit a licensing violation, and illegal possession of wildlife.

Schroeder is scheduled to be sentenced June 2. He could face between six months and six years in prison and between $1,000 and $100,000 in fines.

As part of the plea agreement, the District Attorney's Office is recommending Schroeder serve a three-year deferred judgment and sentence, and pay a $3,000 donation to Operation Game Thief in lieu of jail or prison. He could also have to pay $2,080 in fines for his misdemeanor charges.

But, said Assistant District Attorney Amy Fitch, the court does not have to abide by the plea agreement, and Schroeder could go to jail anyway.

Jaegers, of Ste. Genevieve, Mo., who also appeared in court Thursday, faces 22 felony and misdemeanor counts for operating an outfitter service without a license, illegally selling wildlife and illegally killing bear, deer and mountain lion without a license. His case was continued until June 16.

The third man involved in the illegal hunting operation, Keith C. Schweiss, of Bloomsdale, Mo., was a no-show in court on Thursday. He is scheduled to reappear in court on June 16.

Contact Bobby Magill: 945-8515, ext. 520

[email protected]

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

 

[JackJr]

What the heck is with these Plea Agreements. If they have the evidnece to convict why the slap on the wrist for this guy?

Jack

 

[membergone]

Jack. Just guessing, I know Rich. I doubt he's got much more than a speeding ticket in his past. Prolly has something to do wiff it. I'd say he's guilty of being VERY stupid.

If you look at what he "did" the worst thing was killing and leaving a bear. Looks like he could get hit pretty hard to me. The possibilty of 6 months in prison wiff Bubba don't sound to good.

 

[JackJr]

Okay I now understand better. Hate to see guys that get stupid over wildlife matters and codes, especially in those western states. Sure da heck ain't worth time in jail.:frown: If he has no priors he will probably get probation. I'm sure he'd like to go off some palce and hide for awhile.

Jack

 

[Hannibal]

He knew what he was doin. sock it to him.

 

[Steelman]

He knew what he was doin. sock it to him.

This

 

[Muleskinner]

Lucky some of the outfitters did not find him . Cousin was taking some guys out there hunting. The outfitter there told me I had the crosshairs on his back but talked himself out of it. Don’t know if that is true or not but had one guy cornered that he had took at there. He had a 60 year old man balling asking for forgiveness. He was a postal worker in fear of losing his federal job.

 

[Muleskinner]

Wow I just saw this is 12 years old lol