A man from Clinton County has been sentenced to jail for his role in a significant deer poaching case, as announced by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. Christopher J. Alexander, 28, of Wilmington, received a 90-day jail sentence and was ordered to pay $43,000 in penalties and restitution for the illegal harvesting of an 18-point white-tailed deer.
“Hunting in Ohio is a time-honored tradition, and there is a proper way to be safe and successful,” said Yost. “When bad actors like these guys try to cheat the system, it ruins the reputation of Ohio’s respected sportsmen and women – I can’t stand for that.”
Alexander's accomplices included Corey and Zachary Haunert and his sister Kristina M. Alexander. All had entered plea agreements on October 15.
Alexander pleaded guilty to 14 charges, including theft by deception and tampering with evidence. His sentence includes serving 180 days in jail (with half suspended), five years of community control, financial restitution, participation in a community-based program through the Star Community Justice Center, forfeiture of hunting-related property seized as evidence, loss of his hunting license for at least ten years, and writing letters of apology.
Another defendant from Hillsboro was sentenced to three years of community control and received a suspended jail term after pleading guilty to six charges.
Two other defendants from Blanchester and Lebanon were previously adjudicated with similar penalties involving fines and monitored supervision.
The cases followed an investigation by ODNR’s Division of Wildlife which found extensive illegal hunting activities. The prosecution was handled by attorneys from the Environmental Enforcement Section of the Attorney General’s Office.