COLUMBUS, Ohio (WJW)– A deer processor in southeast Ohio has pleaded guilty to multiple wildlife violations, including the unlawful sale of venison, much of which officials said was donated and intended to go to local food pantries.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, the investigation, dubbed “Operation Donor Deer,” resulted in 35 people convicted of 55 violations.
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In a media release, officials said, Rodney Shields, 59, of Harrisville, the owner of Rod’s Custom Deer Processing, pleaded guilty to seven charges in Harrison County Common Pleas Court, including felony counts of obstructing justice, theft by deception, and illegal sales, as well as three misdemeanor charges for theft and one for possession of untagged deer.
Shields was ordered to pay $16,500 in restitution. The money was ordered to be divided among victims whose venison was stolen and sold, stated the release.
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A portion of the restitution was would also go to the Ohio Division of Wildlife. The Division of Wildlife asks anyone who witnesses a wildlife violation to call the Turn in a Poacher hotline at 1-800-POACHER (1-800-762-2437)…