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[Lee Borgersen]

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DNR NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                   Jan. 15, 2015

4 plead guilty to 2013 deer poaching case

Four men pleaded guilty to a 2013 deer poaching case and had their hunting privileges revoked following an investigation by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Jacob L. Sandberg of Crystal, and Nathan C. Lindgren and Zachary W. Pike, both of McGregor, pleaded guilty to various gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor hunting charges.

Taylor N. Busse, also of McGregor, will pay joint restitution costs for the three does and one buck poached near McGregor. The four face fines and restitution totaling more than $10,000. They also had their hunting privileges revoked for three years.

Additionally, two vehicles, two rifles, and a spot light were confiscated for auction with proceeds going to the DNR's Game and Fish Fund.

The investigation began Nov. 29, 2013, when DNR Conservation Officer Luke Coatt of Wealthwood received a Turn-In-Poachers (TIP) complaint of several deer taken illegally during the 2013 firearm deer season. Croatt and an Aitkin County deputy familiar with the individuals involved began conducting interviews and discovered a pattern of illegal behavior.

Sandberg, 25, was convicted in Aitkin County District Court in December 2014 of gross misdemeanors of unlawful transportation of wild animals and using artificial lights to spot, locate or take wild animals taking a wild animal with a firearm from a motor vehicle, as well as misdemeanor taking a wild animal with a firearm from a motor vehicle. He received fines, restitution, and court costs of $3,162.

Lindgren, 20, was convicted of gross misdemeanor using artificial lights to spot, locate or take wild animals taking a wild animal - possess firearm, bow or other, as well as misdemeanor unlawful party hunting. He received fines, restitution, and court costs totaling $2,587.

Pike, 19, was convicted of gross misdemeanors of unlawful transportation of wild animals and taking a wild animal with a firearm from a motor vehicle. Pike received fines, restitution, and court costs of $2,567.

Busse, 19, will pay joint restitution of $2,000 for the four deer. Restitution is $500 per deer in Minnesota.

"Poachers take hunting opportunities away from law-abiding hunters and negatively impact the resource," Croatt said.

Croatt added that the Aitkin County deputy was critical in the investigation.

"It's dedication and coordination like this that makes protecting natural resources possible," said Croatt.

To report a natural resources violation, call the 24-hour, toll-free Turn In Poachers hotline at 800-652-9093. Cell phone users can dial #TIP.