Maine Warden Service Special Investigation Leads to Arrests, Summonses
Sunday, January 24th, 2010 at 10:33 pmMaine Warden Service Special Investigation Leads to Arrests, Summonses
Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Maine - -(Ammoland.com)- The Maine Warden Service this week arrested or summonsed seven adults and a juvenile from Aroostook County on hunting, fishing or drug charges, the result of a six-month special investigation into illegal fishing and hunting activity that was initiated from a tip to a district game warden.
On Tuesday evening, January 12, 2010, game wardens and supervisors of the Maine Warden Service served four search warrants and an arrest warrant in Aroostook County with the assistance of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. Two individuals were arrested and six received summonses.
The Maine Warden Service is working with the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office on this case.
In June 2009, the Maine Warden Service received information that alleged that Stephen Rediker, 30, of Mapleton was committing fish and wildlife law violations. During an investigation, the Maine Warden Service documented more than 90 violations by Mr. Rediker, including the illegal killing of deer and moose. The investigation also revealed that Mr. Rediker had several associates who were participating in the illegal possession of fish and wildlife, resulting in additional search warrants and suspect interviews.
The total number of violations detected by this group exceeded 125, according to Maine Warden Service Captain Daniel Scott.
“This special investigation was a priority for the Maine Warden Service, especially given the struggling deer herd in northern Maine,” said Major Gregory Sanborn. “After much-spirited and emotional debate last summer, policy makers decided that our junior hunters would be prohibited from taking antlerless deer during the special youth hunt day last fall in northern and eastern Maine, and yet this small group appears to have had no such reservations or concerns on the lasting impact as a result of their actions.”
On Tuesday, Jan. 12, Mr. Rediker was arrested for night hunting, exceeding the bag limit on deer, and killing a moose in closed season – all Maine Title 12 Class D violations – and criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon (Class C, Title 17A), and trafficking prescription drugs (Class B, Title 17A). He was taken to Aroostook County Jail in Houlton. Class D violations carry mandatory minimum fines, jail terms and mandatory license suspensions, if convicted.
As the investigation continues, more charges are likely against Mr. Rediker, according to Captain Scott.
During the execution of the search warrants, Game Wardens seized firearms, deer meat, fishing equipment, illegal drugs and other evidence.
Julie R. Faria, 37, Mapleton, was arrested for furnishing prescription drugs and possession of marijuana. She was taken to the Presque Isle Police Department, where she posted bail and was released.
The following individuals were summonsed for their involvement:
· Robin D. Cobb, 37, Woodland, possessing antlerless deer, possessing unregistered deer, cultivation of marijuana;
· Timothy N. Rediker Jr., 55, Presque Isle, illuminating wildlife, night hunting;
· Joseph H. Little, 69, Presque Isle, possessing deer killed at night, possessing deer killed in closed season, possessing antlerless deer;
· Roy D. Little, 20, Mapleton, possessing deer killed at night, possessing deer killed in closed season, possessing antlerless deer;
· Adam S. Murphy, 18, Mapleton, hunting fox in closed season.
“These individuals are intentional violators who had a significant negative impact on our fish and wildlife resources,” according to Captain Scott. “They demonstrated complete disregard for Maine’s fish and wildlife laws and the safety of the public.”
The Maine Warden Service urges anyone with information regarding the abuse of our fish and wildlife resources to call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-ALERT-US.
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Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife are stewards of Maine’s fish and wildlife, protecting and preserving Maine’s natural resources, quality of place and economic future.
