Poacher pleads guilty to 14 charges in high-profile trophy case

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was first published by The Guardian. Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

COLUMBUS — Christopher J. Alexander, 28, of Wilmington, pleaded guilty to 14 charges related to the illegal taking of an 18-point whitetail buck deer on Nov. 9, 2023, in Clinton County.

Alexander pleaded guilty to a second count of taking an antler buck during the 2023 hunting season; This is another violation of Ohio law, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Wildlife Division.

The 14 counts include:

• Illegal taking or possession of deer (two)
• Unlicensed hunting
• Hunting deer without a permit
• Sale of illegally taken or possessed deer antlers
• Prominence
• Poaching (four)
• tampering with evidence
• Theft
• misdemeanor theft
• Forgery

İskender’s sentence is planned to be announced on Wednesday, December 11. Maximum sanctions could include a $13,750 fine, community control, a five-year hunting license suspension and restitution of both monies.

The large deer’s antlers were worth 18 points and the final compensation was calculated at $35,071.73. The final refund of the second money with eight points is $4,625.

All three accomplices pleaded guilty in the case.

Corey P. Haunert, 29, of Hillsboro, pleaded guilty to six charges:

• An attempt was made to tamper with the evidence.
• Helping a wildlife criminal take or possess a deer (three)
• hunting without permission
• Forgery

Kristina M. Alexander, 37, of Blanchester, pleaded guilty to two charges:

• Obstruction of official business
• Helping wildlife criminal

Zachary R. Haunert, 31, of Lebanon, pleaded guilty to one charge:

• Helping wildlife criminal

The Division of Wildlife is dedicated to enforcing laws that protect Ohio’s wildlife. Public input and concern are integral to these implementation efforts.

Anyone who witnesses a wildlife violation in Ohio can call the police. Surrender a Poacher You can get help at 1-800-POACHER (1-800-762-2437). Reports are kept anonymous. Information leading to a wildlife crime conviction may result in a reward.

Ohio wildlife officers have statewide authority to enforce wildlife regulations and protect state lands, waterways and property. As state law enforcement officers, they contribute to public safety in their local areas and Ohio’s great outdoors.

They also speak to hundreds of clubs and groups about conservation and wildlife programs, conduct fish and wildlife surveys, and provide technical advice and instruction on wildlife management issues, hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation.