HARRISBURG, PA — A nearly two-year inquiry led by the Pennsylvania Game Commission has culminated in the filing of 71 charges against three residents of Chester County, who stand accused of engaging in illegal poaching activities. The individuals, a father and his two adult sons, reportedly targeted trophy bucks in Chester and Delaware counties, according to the allegations.
Carroll Nelson IV, aged 44 from Downingtown, is facing 11 charges, including a first-degree misdemeanor which could result in a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Carl Nelson III, aged 70 from West Chester, faces 35 charges, also including a first-degree misdemeanor with similar penalties. Meanwhile, Mark Nelson, 40, also from West Chester, is charged with 25 offenses, among which is a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
The charges reflect numerous alleged violations, including the unlawful taking of deer out of season, night hunting, and exceeding the permissible limit of one buck per hunter annually. These activities reportedly resulted in the seizure of nearly 50 mounted trophies and antler sets, many of which were classified as trophy class. The investigation remains active, with authorities seeking to identify additional individuals who may be implicated.
The Game Commission’s investigation was prompted by a tip-off regarding the illegal hunting of large whitetail bucks over several years. The operation received extensive support from State Game Wardens and Deputy State Game Wardens from the Southeast Region, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Chester County detectives.
The accused individuals face not only potential fines and court costs but also the revocation of hunting licenses, should they be convicted. The Game Commission continues to urge the public to report any wildlife violations, emphasizing the role of community vigilance in combating poaching.
As always, all defendants are currently presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The authorities maintain that poaching is a theft of natural resources, and they encourage the public to contribute actively to the preservation of wildlife by reporting unlawful activities.
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