On Monday April 15, sentencing was held for the last of five individuals involved in a multitude of wildlife crimes stemming from activity during October 2017 in Minidoka County.
In December of 2017, IDFG Officer Steve Ross initiated an investigation into illegal hunting activities north of Rupert. Jake Pelton, Isaiah Cofer, Jamey Larson, Trevor Blincoe and Brenner Antone were interviewed and subsequently charged for their involvement in the unlawful killing and/or waste of multiple deer and small game animals, including one trophy class mule deer buck.
During the course of the investigation, Idaho Fish and Game officers were able to determine that two does and two bucks were shot closed season and left to waste in the desert. Only the head of the largest deer was taken. During the service of a search warrant, another unlawful mule deer buck was discovered as well as evidence of unlicensed taxidermy work.
In total, 22 misdemeanor and felony charges were filed after the investigation was competed. The charges resulted in the following sentences:
Jake Pelton: $12,300 in restitution, 25 years hunting and trapping license revocation, 5 years fishing license revocation, 5 years suspended jail, 2 year felony probation
Isaiah Cofer: $735 fines, 2 years hunting, fishing and trapping revocation, 2 years felony probation
Jamey Larson: $675 fines, 2 years hunting license revocation, 1 year probation
Trevor Blincoe: Charges subsequently vacated
Brenner Antone: (Judgement withheld) $675 fines 1 year license revocation