The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) charged two North Country men with multiple offenses related to alleged deer poaching in Jefferson County. The subjects are repeat offenders who now face thousands of dollars in potential fines and revocation of their hunting licenses.
On September 6, 2024 Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) arrested Jonathan M. Lille, 23, and Tyler S. Monica, 20, both of the town of Adams, Jefferson County, for unlawfully taking two whitetail deer in the nearby towns of Henderson and Hounsfield on December 30 and 31, 2023.
The defendants are charged with the unlawful taking of big game, taking big game from a motor vehicle, taking big game from a highway, taking big game with the aid of artificial light, discharge of a firearm over a public highway, possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, and taking big game during the closed season, all misdemeanor crimes. Lille received an additional violation for trespassing on posted property.
The investigation began earlier this year when ECOs received complaints about the duo from a member of the sporting community. ECOs say their investigation revealed that Lille and Monica had used artificial lights to shoot the deer from a vehicle, at night, and during the closed season.
Local ECOs are familiar with both men, having charged them with similar offenses in the past. In 2021, Lille pleaded guilty to three unlawful hunting charges and Monica lost his hunting license until 2023 due to similar charges.
In this new case, both men face up to $9,000 in criminal fines and could have their hunting licenses revoked for up to five years. Tickets received in the town of Henderson were returnable to Henderson Town Court on September 9, and those received in the town of Hounsfield are returnable to the Town of Hounsfield Court on September 24th.
Photo: ECOs Schneider (left) and McFee (right) with evidence seized during their deer poaching investigation (provided by DEC).
Hit these creeps with the higest fine allowable and they should have their hunting licenses PERMANENTLY revoked, not just for 5 years. They’ve already shown authorities they can’t be trusted to adhere to law; you think they’re going to change? They’ll hunt illegally even if their licenses are revoled – they should have to wear an “ankle bracelet” permanently.