SENECA COUNTY, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A multi-year investigation into illegal hunting activities in northwest Ohio has concluded with seven individuals facing convictions for a total of 16 charges, the Ohio Division of Wildlife announced Thursday.
The probe, which centered on Tiffin resident Owen Schumm, was initiated after a tip was submitted through the state’s “Turn-in-a-Poacher” program to Wildlife Officer Brock Williamson. As the investigation unfolded, authorities identified six additional suspects involved in various wildlife law violations.
Schumm, identified by officials as the primary suspect, faced a wide range of citations. His offenses included:
* Aiding a wildlife offender in hunting from a motor vehicle.
* Illegal killing of migratory geese with a rifle, a killdeer, and a woodpecker.
* Littering.
* Possessing untagged deer parts.
* Exceeding the daily possession limit for doves, resulting in a federal charge.
Schumm was ordered to pay $5,160 in total fines, court costs, and restitution. His sentence includes a 240-day suspended jail term, 50 hours of community service, and a two-year revocation of his hunting and trapping privileges.
Across the entire case, the seven defendants were held accountable for 15 state charges and one federal charge. The collective penalties include:
* $9,122 in total fines, court costs, and restitution.
* 270 days of suspended jail time.
* 65 hours of community service.
* A two-year suspension of hunting and trapping rights for those involved.