A Mt. Carmel man charged in connection to an alleged massive poaching investigation was in Wabash County Circuit Court Monday morning for a preliminary hearing.
46 year old Richard Stringfellow faces 2 felony counts and dozens of misdemeanor counts after the investigation also resulted in multiple felony and misdemeanor charges being filed against three juveniles as well. During Monday’s brief appearance, Stringfellow waived his right to a preliminary hearing and Judge William Hudson found probably cause in the case. Arraignment was set for August 23rd.
As part of the investigation, Illinois DNR officers confiscated eight deer, two rifles, one muzzleloader, one bow and a string of hawk talons. Additionally, the two pickup trucks used in the alleged poaching incidents were seized. More than 55 charges were filed in this case, including felony resource theft, felony animal abuse, falsification of records, unlawful take of deer, hunting by use/aid of a vehicle, spotlighting, hunting deer with a rifle, wanton waste of game meat, shooting from a roadway and transportation of loaded and uncased firearms.
Indiana authorities have also filed their own charges in connection to the same poaching operation.