OHIO — One man was sentenced in Clinton County Common Pleas court for the unlawful shooting of a trophy white-tailed buck in November 2023.
Christopher Alexander, 28, was sentenced to pay the maximum restitution for the buck, an 18-point trophy, totaling $35,071.73. The restitution is the largest value for a single white-tailed deer in the state's history. It was increased to $39,696.73 for a second unlawfully taken buck during the 2023 hunting season.
Alexander's sentence also includes completing five years of community control and serving six months at STAR Community Justice Center, a locked down, community-based correctional facility. His hunting license has been revoked for 10 years, and he forfeited all property seized as evidence, including the trophy deer's antlers. He was also ordered to pay $1,000 in fines, $1,000 to the Turn In a Poacher program, $2,000 in restitution to media outlets and court fines.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife conducted an investigation on Nov. 9, 2023, after receiving information that the deer was taken unlawfully.
Alexander pleaded guilty to 14 counts related to the incident in OCtober, along with the unlawful taking of a second antlered deer during the 2023-2024 hunting season.
- Illegal taking or possession of deer (two)
- Hunting without a license
- Hunting without a deer permit
- Selling illegally taken or possessed deer antlers
- Spotlighting
- Hunting without permission (four)
- Tampering with evidence
- Theft
- Misdemeanor theft
- Falsification
There were also three accomplices connected to the case who were sentenced.
Cory Haunert, 29, of Hillsboro, was charged for attempted tampering with evidence, helping a wildlife offender in taking or possessing deer (three counts), hunting without permission and falsification.
He was ordered to pay $500 in fines, $500 to the the Turn In a Poacher program, pay court costs, serve 90 days in jail, suspended, complete 200 hours of community service and complete three years of community control.
Haunert's hunting license was revoked for three years and he forfeited a tree stand and crossbow.
Kristina Alexander, 37, of Blanchester, was charged with helping a wildlife offender and for obstructing official business. She was ordered to pay $500 in fines, $500 to the Turn In a Poacher program and pay court costs. She also was ordered to serve 60 days in jail, suspended and complete one year of monitored time supervision.
Zachary Haunert, 31, of Lebanon, was charged with helping a wildlife offender. He was ordered to pay $250 in fines, $250 to the Turn in a Pochaer program and pay additional court costs. He also was ordered to serve 60 days in jail, suspended and complete one year of monitored time supervision.