3/14/2008
GREEN RIVER, WY -- Nearly three months after intentionally hitting and
killing two antelope with his vehicle Dec. 7 and posting the photos on the
Internet, a Rock Springs man was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Victoria
Schofield.
Jonathan L. Hefner, 24, pleaded guilty Feb. 29 to two counts of wanton
destruction of a big game animal. His sentence included: $6,000 ($3,000 for each
antelope) of restitution to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, five-year
suspension of hunting privileges, 12 months unsupervised probation during which
time he can have no wildlife violations and a 360-day suspended jail sentence.
Hefner was also ordered to pay $100 to the Crime Victim's Compensation Fund, $20
court costs and a $10 court automation fee.
The Game and Fish Department received a Stop Poaching tip December 2007
reporting a man who had posted photographs on the Internet of two antelope he
hit and killed with his vehicle. Game and Fish officers recognized the vehicle
and location near Farson. The officers contacted the man's employer and
identified the antelope hit-and-run motorist as Hefner.
Anyone with information about any wildlife violation should call the local game
warden or the Stop Poaching Hotline at (877) WGFD-TIP (943-3847). Reports can
also be made online at the
Stop Poaching Web site.
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