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DNA test helps in poaching case
Raton Range
1/22/03
A series of elk killings in northeast New Mexico prompted an exhaustive 18-month investigation, which included the use of DNA evidence, and led to two felony convictions this month of a Las Vegas, N.M., man who has a history of wildlife crimes.
Most or all of the poaching reportedly occurred on the outskirts of Vermejo Park Ranch, which extends from Colfax County into Colorado.
Manuel Zachary Romero, 23, pleaded guilty in district court Jan. 6 to transportation of stolen livestock or wildlife, and conspiracy, each fourth-degree felonies, as well as 10 misdemeanor counts.
The investigation involved conservation officers in New Mexico and Colorado who investigated 12 bull elk that were killed near the New Mexico-Colorado border and had their heads cut off. In most instances very little, if any, meat was taken.
Most or all of those incidents apparently occurred at Vermejo Park Ranch. Poachers would shoot elk from roads - N.M. 555 and the Valle Vidal road off U.S. 64 - passing through or by Vermejo property boundaries. Poachers would then cut the fence and either drive onto Vermejo land to retrieve the animal head or drag the animal head through the fence to a vehicle.
Poachers often seek the trophy heads of bull elk for the high price - as much as $1,000 each - they bring when sold.
In February 2002, search warrants were served on Romero's home near Las Vegas and on a taxidermy shop in Estes Park, Colo., northwest of Denver.
In a plea agreement this month, Romero agreed to pay $2,000 in civil damages for two poached elk and make a $10,000 donation to the New Mexico Game Protection Fund. He also forfeited a .300 Weatherby Magnum rifle, numerous sets of antlers and a large bull elk mount. Romero will be required to speak to a hunter education class about the consequences of illegal hunting and must serve a three-year probation period. He will lose his rights to vote and bear firearms as a result of the felony convictions.
Romero's convictions and the resulting investigation are connected to the killing of two bull elk in July 2001 on N.M. 555 near Raton. The elk were shot and left with only the heads removed. Passing motorists reported seeing the elk carcasses about 11 and 13 miles west of Raton.
Game and Fish officers put together enough evidence from the elk killings to target Romero as a suspect and launch an investigation. Using DNA evidence, officers were able to connect the illegally killed elk carcasses to antlers seized during the search of Romero's home.
"It was all the bits and pieces of long-term law-enforcement work that really made this case," said Leif Ahlm, Northeast Area assistant chief for the state Game and Fish Department. "This case is a good example of the great teamwork and professionalism exhibited by New Mexico's wildlife officers."
District Judge Peggy Nelson noted that Romero's numerous prior convictions for wildlife crimes demonstrated a long-standing pattern that precluded a conditional discharge on the felonies. Romero was previously convicted of illegal possession of game, criminal trespass and attempt to commit a felony. Included in the 10 current misdemeanor charges are two counts of using a (hunting) license issued to another, two counts of possession of game without a license, three counts of unlawful hunting and fishing, and one count of outfitting without being registered.
Raton Range
1/22/03
A series of elk killings in northeast New Mexico prompted an exhaustive 18-month investigation, which included the use of DNA evidence, and led to two felony convictions this month of a Las Vegas, N.M., man who has a history of wildlife crimes.
Most or all of the poaching reportedly occurred on the outskirts of Vermejo Park Ranch, which extends from Colfax County into Colorado.
Manuel Zachary Romero, 23, pleaded guilty in district court Jan. 6 to transportation of stolen livestock or wildlife, and conspiracy, each fourth-degree felonies, as well as 10 misdemeanor counts.
The investigation involved conservation officers in New Mexico and Colorado who investigated 12 bull elk that were killed near the New Mexico-Colorado border and had their heads cut off. In most instances very little, if any, meat was taken.
Most or all of those incidents apparently occurred at Vermejo Park Ranch. Poachers would shoot elk from roads - N.M. 555 and the Valle Vidal road off U.S. 64 - passing through or by Vermejo property boundaries. Poachers would then cut the fence and either drive onto Vermejo land to retrieve the animal head or drag the animal head through the fence to a vehicle.
Poachers often seek the trophy heads of bull elk for the high price - as much as $1,000 each - they bring when sold.
In February 2002, search warrants were served on Romero's home near Las Vegas and on a taxidermy shop in Estes Park, Colo., northwest of Denver.
In a plea agreement this month, Romero agreed to pay $2,000 in civil damages for two poached elk and make a $10,000 donation to the New Mexico Game Protection Fund. He also forfeited a .300 Weatherby Magnum rifle, numerous sets of antlers and a large bull elk mount. Romero will be required to speak to a hunter education class about the consequences of illegal hunting and must serve a three-year probation period. He will lose his rights to vote and bear firearms as a result of the felony convictions.
Romero's convictions and the resulting investigation are connected to the killing of two bull elk in July 2001 on N.M. 555 near Raton. The elk were shot and left with only the heads removed. Passing motorists reported seeing the elk carcasses about 11 and 13 miles west of Raton.
Game and Fish officers put together enough evidence from the elk killings to target Romero as a suspect and launch an investigation. Using DNA evidence, officers were able to connect the illegally killed elk carcasses to antlers seized during the search of Romero's home.
"It was all the bits and pieces of long-term law-enforcement work that really made this case," said Leif Ahlm, Northeast Area assistant chief for the state Game and Fish Department. "This case is a good example of the great teamwork and professionalism exhibited by New Mexico's wildlife officers."
District Judge Peggy Nelson noted that Romero's numerous prior convictions for wildlife crimes demonstrated a long-standing pattern that precluded a conditional discharge on the felonies. Romero was previously convicted of illegal possession of game, criminal trespass and attempt to commit a felony. Included in the 10 current misdemeanor charges are two counts of using a (hunting) license issued to another, two counts of possession of game without a license, three counts of unlawful hunting and fishing, and one count of outfitting without being registered.
