Three individuals have been charged with illegally transporting wildlife across state lines, U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced on Mar. 12.
The charges stem from a federal indictment alleging that Brian Poling of Albright, West Virginia; Levi S. Weaver of Fredericksburg, Ohio; and Leroy M. Miller of Millersburg, Ohio violated the Lacey Act by conspiring to transport live deer without the required health certificates as mandated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Poling, who managed Dream Mountain Ranch in Preston County, West Virginia, is accused of working with Miller and Weaver to move live deer in interstate commerce without an Interstate Certificate of Veterinarian Inspection and proof of a tuberculosis test. These regulations are designed to prevent the spread of diseases such as tuberculosis, brucellosis, and chronic wasting disease among deer and other animals.
“West Virginians have long depended on a healthy and diverse wildlife population to feed our families, make memories, and enjoy our great outdoors,” said U.S. Attorney Harvey. “It is our shared heritage and will be protected.”
Doug Ault, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement, said: “The illegal transport of live deer poses a serious threat to people, wildlife, and the economy. Deer can carry deadly zoonotic diseases that may be spread to humans, livestock, and other animals. Without proper safeguards, outbreaks can occur that disrupt hunting traditions and jeopardize farm livelihoods. We remain firmly committed to working with our state and federal partners to protect the American public and preserve our nation’s natural resources for sustainable use by future generations.”
Col. Alberto Maza, director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Law Enforcement said: “This investigation is a clear example of why partnerships between state and federal agencies are so vital. The investigators and agents involved in this case should be commended for their dedication and hard work that led to these charges.”
If convicted, each defendant faces up to five years in federal prison. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering sentencing guidelines.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service along with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is an allegation only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
