Staff Writer
Eight local individuals are facing over 100 charges ranging from illegal hunting to illegal drug activity, following an investigation by the Maine Warden Service that began last in June. The Maine Warden Service last week arrested or summonsed seven adults and a juvenile from Aroostook County on hunting, fishing or drug charges – the result of a six-month special investigation into illegal fishing and hunting activity that was initiated from a tip to a district game warden.
On Jan. 12, game wardens and supervisors of the MWS served four search warrants and an arrest warrant in Aroostook County, with the assistance of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. Two individuals were arrested and six received summonses.
“There were at least 25 wardens involved in the execution of the four warrants and additional interviews. The majority of wardens were assigned to my division,” said Lt. Tom Ward, MWS, based in Ashland.
The MWS is working with the Aroostook County district attorney’s office on this case.
Information obtained by the MWS last year played a key role in the investigation, said Ward. In June 2009, the MWS received information that alleged that Stephen Rediker, 30, of Mapleton was committing fish and wildlife law violations. During a subsequent investigation, the MWS documented more than 90 violations by Rediker, including the illegal killing of deer and moose. The investigation also revealed that Rediker had several associates who were participating in the illegal possession of fish and wildlife, resulting in additional search warrants and suspect interviews.
The total number of violations detected by this group exceeded 125, according to MWS Capt. Daniel Scott.
This special investigation was a priority for the MWS, especially given the struggling deer herd in northern Maine,” said Maj. Gregory Sanborn. “After much-spirited and emotional debate last summer, policymakers decided that our junior hunters would be prohibited from taking antlerless deer during the special youth hunt day last fall in northern and eastern Maine, and yet this small group appears to have had no such reservations or concerns on the lasting impact as a result of their actions.”
Rediker was arrested Jan. 12 for night hunting, exceeding the bag limit on deer and killing moose in closed season – all Maine Title 12 Class D violations – and criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon (Class C, Title 17A), and trafficking prescription drugs (Class B, Title 17A). He was taken to Aroostook County Jail in Houlton. Class D violations carry mandatory minimum fines, jail terms and mandatory license suspensions, if convicted.
As the investigation continues, more charges are likely against Rediker, according to Capt. Scott.
“Upon conviction of some of our Title 12 offenses – night hunting, illegal possession, closed season violations, etc. – those are the offenses that carry the minimum mandatory fines of $1,000, three days in jail, loss of licenses and equipment,” said Ward.
Penalties are at the discretion of the judge, Ward said, and can be more harsh based on what the judge decides.
“The judge can sentence that particular individual to a much steeper penalty. That’s up to him,” said Ward. “My commissioner has the authority to suspend hunting and fishing licenses for longer periods than one year as well.”
During the execution of the search warrants, game wardens seized firearms, deer meat, fishing equipment, illegal drugs and other evidence.
Julie R. Faria, 37, of Mapleton, was arrested for furnishing prescription drugs and possession of marijuana. She was taken to the Presque Isle Police Department, where she posted bail and was released. Faria also goes by the name Julie Rediker, according to the DA’s office.
The following individuals were summonsed for their involvement:
Robin D. Cobb, 37, Woodland, possessing antlerless deer, possessing unregistered deer, cultivation of marijuana;
Timothy N. Rediker, Jr., 29, Presque Isle, illuminating wildlife, night hunting;
Joseph H. Little, 69, Presque Isle, possessing deer killed at night, possessing deer killed in closed season, possessing antlerless deer;
Roy D. Little, 20, Mapleton, possessing deer killed at night, possessing deer killed in closed season, possessing antlerless deer; and
Adam S. Murphy, 18, Mapleton, hunting fox in closed season.
No information was available on what the juvenile was charged with.
“These individuals are intentional violators who had a significant negative impact on our fish and wildlife resources,” according to Scott. “They demonstrated complete disregard for Maine’s fish and wildlife laws and the safety of the public.”
Ward said it’s not unusual to find activities like illegal hunting and drug sales or use in the same investigation.
“As in the case with many of these serious fish and wildlife violators, there is often an element of illegal drug use. When the warrants were executed, contraband was located and charges were filed. That’s why the DEA was involved,” said Ward.
According to the DA’s office, Stephen Rediker will appear in Presque Isle District Court Feb. 26 on the night hunting charge and has a May 20 appearance scheduled in Superior Court in Caribou on drug charges stemming from the MWS investigation. The DA’s office did not have court dates available for the other individuals at presstime.
Ward said the group showed blatant disregard for wildlife, giving no consideration to the impact their actions will have on the already struggling deer population.
“As Maj. Sanborn stated, our whitetail deer herd has been stressed in northern and eastern Maine due to the severe winters we’ve had the past couple of years. This particular group of individuals operated with total disregard for Maine’s fish and wildlife laws and stressed the deer herd even more,” said Ward.
Ward said their actions will prove detrimental for law-abiding hunters in the future.
“They have taken the opportunity away from good, honest hunters who are out there trying to do things in a lawful, ethical manner. This was a good apprehension and I believe it will definitely send a clear message to intentional violators who abuse Maine’s fish and wildlife,” said Ward.
The MWS urges anyone with information regarding the abuse of fish and wildlife resources to call Operation Game Thief at 800-ALERT-US.
“I would encourage any sportsman or -woman out there who encounters or observes a violation to call. Such tips can make a difference – take this case, for example. The public has the ability to help end criminal activity. Sometimes all it takes is a phone call,” said Ward.
