OHIO — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said an Ohio deer processor has pleaded guilty to the unlawful sale of venison, much of which was supposed to go to local food pantries.
What You Need To Know
- The charges were part of Operation Donor Deer
- The investigation found that Rodney Shields, 59, of Harrisville, committed numerous wildlife violations
- ODNR said Shields has pleaded guilty to seven charges in Harrison County Common Pleas Court; he was ordered to pay $165,000 in restitution
ODNR said the charges come as it concluded an investigation that resulted in 35 individuals being convicted of 55 violations.
During the investigation, which was called Operation Donor Deer, Division of Wildlife law enforcement found that Rodney Shields, 59, of Harrisville, committed numerous wildlife violations. As the owner of Rod’s Custom Deer Processing, Shields conducted the unlawful sale of deer venison, many of which came from checked deer…