Five juveniles from three counties are facing multiple wildlife and criminal charges after a nearly two month investigation on deer poaching. DNR Conservation officer Ken Kenyon tells KNIA KRLS news that the juveniles were all from the general Bussey area. The juveniles have been charged with 13 counts of hunting by artificial light, 12 counts of illegally taking deer, 9 counts of wanton waste of wildlife, 5 counts of carrying a loaded rifle in a vehicle on roadway, 5 counts of no valid hunting license, 4 counts of shooting a rifle from or over a roadway, 2 counts of illegal attempting to take deer and 1 count of unlawful transportation of deer. Four of the five juveniles pleaded guilty on December 28th to 12 wildlife charges, resulting in fines of $2,110.50 plus $10,000 in civil penalties. Each juvenile was also ordered to perform 80 hours of community service and could lose their hunting privileges. In addition to the wildlife charges, two of the teens are also being charged with two counts of injury to livestock, which is a class D felony, and two counts of 2nd degree criminal mischief.

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