CHENANGO – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Law Enforcement has announced a number of charges leveled at five people allegedly involved in a deer poaching operation.

According to a DEC press release, Environmental Conservation Officer Jamie Powers led a lengthy investigation based on information provided by New Berlin Police Officer Richard Pagillo who, during a routine traffic stop, discovered two deer heads in the trunk of a vehicle. Pagillo immediately contacted the DEC for assistance and – over the course of several weeks – DEC officers were able to identify additional

participants in the crimes and evidence indicating their levels of involvement.

The investigation resulted in 58 charges in the towns of Smyrna and Earlville. Those charged were:

• Keannu J. Spencer, 21, Smyrna, charged with three counts each for hunting deer with aid of an artificial light; taking deer during the closed season; taking wildlife from a motor vehicle; operating a light on lands inhabited by deer while in possession of firearm; possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle; discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle; taking wildlife from a public highway; and taking deer by means not specified, all misdemeanor crimes. He was also charged with one count of depositing garbage on state lands, a violation.