Deer poacher imprisoned, receives largest fine in Ohio history

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A man arrested for illegally shooting and taking possession of a single white-tailed deer was given a prison sentence and issued the largest fine in such a case in Ohio’s history.

According to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, 28-year-old Christopher Alexander was sentenced last week in Clinton County Common Pleas Court for unlawfully shooting an 18-point, trophy white-tailed buck in November 2023.

Alexander, of Wilmington, was ordered to pay the maximum restitution fine of $35,071.73, the largest restitution value for a single white-tailed deer in Ohio’s history. Alexander’s fine was then increased by an additional $4,625 for unlawfully taking a second buck.

The total sum of fines and restitution value was 43,696.73, including $2,000 to media outlets and court costs and $1,000 each to the Turn In a Poacher program and additional fines.

The ODNR also said Alexander was sentenced to serve six months in prison at the STAR Community Justice Center minimum security facility in Scioto County, complete five years of community control and received a 10-year hunting license revocation.

Alexander also was to forfeit all property seized as evidence, including the trophy deer’s antlers.

The Division of Wildlife began its investigation on Nov. 9, 2023, after receiving information alleging the deer was taken unlawfully. In addition to taking a second antlered deer during the hunting season, Alexander pleaded guilty to the following 14 counts:

• Illegally taking possession of deer (two counts)
• Hunting without permission (four counts)
• Hunting without a license
• Hunting without a deer permit
• Selling illegally taken or possessed deer antlers
• Tampering with evidence
• Spotlighting
• Theft
• Misdemeanor theft
• Falsification

Three accomplices were also charged.

Corey Haunert, 29, of Hillsboro, was sentenced to 90 days in jail, 200 hours of community service, three years of community control and $1,000 in fines for tampering with evidence, aiding a wildlife offender, hunting without permission and falsification. His hunting license was also revoked for three years, and he forfeited his tree stand and crossbow.

Kristina Alexander, 37, of Blanchester, was sentenced to 60 days in jail (suspended), one year of monitored time supervision, and fined $1,000 for obstructing official business and aiding a wildlife offender.

Zachary Haunert, 31, of Lebanon, was sentenced to 60 days in jail (suspended), complete one year of monitored time supervision and pay $250 in fines for aiding a wildlife offender.

The Nov. 9 incident occurred outside of the 2023 seasonal regulations for deer hunting season with a firearm.