Fines Top $100,000 in Poaching, Commercialization of Trophy Deer Case in Southeast Iowa

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Posted: December 16, 2010

FAIRFIELD, Iowa – Three southeast Iowa men face more than $100,000 in fines for their roles in poaching trophy deer and multiple counts of commercialization of wildlife in Jefferson, Van Buren and Henry counties.

State Conservation Officer Chris Flynn said the investigation, that had been underway for several years, began from complaints called in by hunters, landowners and concerned citizens.

Flynn said due to the nature of the case and the alleged activities of the individuals, officers had to file charges in three counties.

“The investigation is continuing and we anticipate more arrests in the case,” Flynn said.

Those charged on Wednesday include Brad Johnson, 38, of Fairfield, who was charged with four counts of unlawful commercialization of wildlife which are serious misdemeanors, unlawful taking of antlered deer, unlawful transportation of deer, unlawful taking of turkey and other wildlife related charges. Johnson was charged in Jefferson and in Van Buren counties. He faces $51,302.50 in fines and liquidated damages.

Shae McCabe, 32, of Fairfield, was charged with unlawful taking of antlered deer, abandonment of wildlife, two counts of unlawful commercialization of wildlife which are serious misdemeanors, unlawful taking of turkey and other wildlife related charges. He faces $31,328.50 in fines and liquidated damages.

Southep Souchanh, 38, of Mount Pleasant, was charged with unlawful possession of deer and 145 counts of unlawful possession of squirrels. He faces $25,932.50 in fines and liquidated damages.

Flynn said officers served a search warrant on the Johnson and McCabe residents on Dec. 9. The evidence collected includes multiple trophy class deer allegedly illegally harvested and sold.

Flynn led the investigation that included more than 20 additional conservation officers and officers with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.