Wilmington resident Christopher J. Alexander was handed a record-breaking restitution fee for unlawfully shooting a trophy white-tailed deer, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife announced. According to the official statement, Alexander will pay $35,071.73 for the 18-point buck, an unprecedented amount in the state for a single deer, and $4,625 for a second buck, bringing the total restitution to $39,696.73. His penalty includes a 10-year hunting license revocation, and he must also forfeit the deer's antlers, among other seized property.
The investigation into Alexander's actions began after a tip-off on November 9, 2023, suggesting that the deer was taken illegally. This led to an investigation by the Division of Wildlife, culminating in his conviction and sentencing. Alexander's punishment also encompasses five years of community control, six months at STAR Community Justice Center, and fines totaling $1,000 in addition to $1,000 directed to the Turn In a Poacher (TIP) program and $2,000 in restitution to media outlets.
Alexander pleaded guilty in October to 14 counts related to illegal wildlife activities, including the possession of unlawfully taken deer, hunting without the necessary licenses and permits, and other charges. He was also convicted of spotlighting, tampering with evidence, theft, and falsification. The full details of his charges and subsequent sentence were published in an ODNR release on December 12th, 2024.
Alongside Alexander, three accomplices were sentenced for their involvement in the wildlife crimes. Corey P. Haunert, Kristina M. Alexander, and Zachary R. Haunert were charged with various crimes ranging from attempting to tamper with evidence to aiding a wildlife offender, facing fines, suspended jail sentences, community control, and revoked hunting licenses. The information about their charges and sentences is available on the ODNR website.
The Division of Wildlife's enforcement of laws to protect Ohio's native species is bolstered by public participation, and they encourage anyone who witnesses a wildlife violation to report it through their TIP hotline. As the state celebrates 75 years of natural resource management in 2024, the ODNR emphasizes the balance they strike between utilization and protection for the benefit of everyone. More information about the ODNR's mission can be found on their website.
