January 15, 2010
Six Month Investigation Leads to Illegal Hunting Charges
Seven Aroostook County adults and one juvenile are facing a variety of charges after a six-month investigation into illegal hunting activity.
A six-month special investigation by the Maine Warden Service has led to the arrest or summons of seven Aroostook County adults and a juvenile on a variety of illegal hunting and fishing charges. Some of those arrested are also facing drug charges. The total number of violations attributed to the group exceeds 125, says Maine Warden Service Captain Daniel Scott.
The investigation began in June of 2009, when the Maine Warden Service received information that alleged that Stephen Rediker, 30, of Mapleton, was violating fish and wildlife laws. The investigation by the Maine Warden Service uncovered more than 90 violations by Rediker, including the illegal killing of deer and moose, officials say.
The Warden Services says investigators discovered that Rediker had several associates who were participating in the illegal possession of fish and wildlife, resulting in additional search warrants.
Rediker was arrested Tuesday and charged with night hunting, exceeding the bag limit on deer, and killing a moose in closed season, as well as criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon and trafficking in prescription drugs, and Scott says more charges are likely.
Game Wardens also seized firearms, deer meat, fishing equipment, illegal drugs and other evidence during the execution of search warrants. Rediker was taken to the Aroostook County Jail in Houlton.
Also under arrest is Julie R. Faria, 37, of Mapleton, on charges of furnishing prescription drugs and possession of marijuana. She was taken to the Presque Isle Police Department, where she posted bail and was released, officials say.
Five people were summonsed in the case, including Robin D. Cobb, 37, Woodland, for possessing antlerless deer, possessing unregistered deer, and cultivation of marijuana; Timothy N. Rediker Jr., 55, of Presque Isle, for illuminating wildlife and night hunting; Joseph H. Little, 69, of Presque Isle and Roy D. Little, 20, of Mapleton, for possessing deer killed at night, possessing deer killed in closed season, and possessing antlerless deer; and Adam S. Murphy, 18, of Mapleton, for hunting fox in closed season.
Also summonsed was a juvenile, officials say, who has not been identified.