DENVER (KDVR) — An Arizona man will serve a year in federal prison for illegal hunting and trafficking in Colorado, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).
On July 31, 56-year-old Timothy Rawlings of Laveen, Arizona, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison for violating the Lacey Act and conspiring to violate it—both felonies. After his release, he will serve three years of supervised probation and pay $45,800 in restitution.
The case also involved 71-year-old Howard Wayne Rodarmel of Baca County, Colorado, who previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor Lacey Act violation. Rodarmel received three years of probation, $9,164 in restitution, and a $2,000 fine.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and CPW began investigating after two CPW wildlife officers suspected Rawlings was illegally outfitting in Colorado. Investigators say his poaching operation spanned multiple states. Once the violations were confirmed, CPW and USFWS agents presented the case for federal prosecution.
“This case is a shining example of multiple agencies working together toward common law enforcement goals,” said Ty Petersburg, CPW’s Chief of Law Enforcement. “CPW was proud to help bring down a prolific wildlife poacher. The health of our wildlife depends on ethical hunting, and those who break the law harm our natural resources. Our officers are committed to catching violators and protecting those resources.”
Rawlings owned Old West Guides and Outfitters in Arizona, offering hunting and guiding trips for big game such as deer, elk, mountain lions, and bears. CPW says the business had no license to operate in Colorado.
His violations included:
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Illegal outfitting
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Brokering landowner vouchers
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Shooting from vehicles
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Chasing animals with vehicles
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Hunting on unlicensed and unpermitted land
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Failing to register animals taken, including mountain lions
The Lacey Act bans transporting wildlife taken illegally under federal, state, tribal, or foreign laws. CPW says Rawlings knowingly worked with out-of-state clients, ensuring the illegally taken animals would be moved across state lines.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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