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Texas Game Warden investigate 'extensive amount' of illegal poaching in Wood, Smith Counties

Eight people are facing multiple charges.

SMITH COUNTY, Texas — The Texas Game Wardens have made several arrests after an ongoing investigation regarding the killing of deer on public roads at night. 

According to the Texas Game Wardens, this investigation started back in February after a report of a deer being shot off a county road at night. The investigation then uncovered an "extensive amount" of illegal hunting in both Wood and Smith Counties.

In their investigation, they were able to detail the killing of about 28 white-tailed deer and over 50 pigs by 12 individuals. They found that all deer and pigs had been killed at night using a spotlight. 

Most of the animals were killed on private property, and several of the deer had been left in the field to waste. 

"You cannot discharge a firearm from a public roadway, its public safety matter," Texas Game Wardens Captain Quint Balkcom said. "You cannot hunt on another person's property without permission, both which occurred. You cannot hunt with the aid of light or a motor vehicle from public roadway, all of which have been done.”

Investigators say 604 charges were given from this investigation. A total of 28 charges were brought forward in Wood County.

"We chose the cases that had the most evidence,” Balkcom said. 

Penalties for these charges range from thousands of dollars in fines to up to 10 years in prison.

Officials have arrested Jacob Thomas Blair, Dustin James Hartley, Kaleb Lee Brown, Aspen Lynn Umphries, Dalton Jeronimo Robles, Hilario Lynch Garcia, and Windell Scott Estoll all of Mineola. Each facing multiple charges. 

Chance Avery Briggs of Van, has fled and has one state jail felony, three Class A misdemeanor warrants out for his arrest. Briggs is also wanted for a for probation violation. 

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