A Clinton County man has been sentenced to 90 days in jail and fined over $43,000 for his role in illegally killing an 18-point white-tailed deer, a trophy animal considered a valuable natural resource in Ohio.
Christopher J. “CJ” Alexander, 28, of Wilmington, was the ringleader in a high-profile poaching case that also involved three accomplices. Alexander pleaded guilty in October to 14 charges, including felony counts of theft by deception and tampering with evidence, along with various misdemeanor hunting violations.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost condemned the illegal activities, stating, “Hunting in Ohio is a time-honored tradition, and there is a proper way to be safe and successful. When bad actors like these guys try to cheat the system, it ruins the reputation of Ohio’s respected sportsmen and women – I can’t stand for that.”
Sentencing Details
Alexander’s sentence includes:
- 90 days in jail to be served at the Star Community Justice Center, with an additional 90 days suspended. He will also participate in a four- to six-month community-based program.
- Five years of community control, with a suspended prison term of up to 36 months if violated.
- Payment of $39,696.73 to the Ohio Wildlife Fund, $2,000 in restitution to KSE Sportsman Media, $1,000 to the poaching hotline, and other fines and court costs.
- A minimum 10-year hunting license suspension, which will remain in place until all restitution is paid.
- Forfeiture of all hunting equipment seized during the investigation.
Alexander must also write letters of apology to affected parties.
Accomplices Sentenced
Three others involved in the case also faced penalties:
- Corey Haunert, 29, of Hillsboro: Pleaded guilty to six charges and was sentenced to three years of community control, a suspended 90-day jail sentence contingent on completing 200 hours of community service, and a three-year hunting license suspension. He was also fined $500 and ordered to pay $500 in restitution.
- Kristina Alexander, 37, of Blanchester: Pleaded guilty to two charges and was sentenced to one year of monitored supervision, a suspended 60-day jail term, and fines totaling $1,000.
- Zachary Haunert, 31, of Lebanon: Pleaded guilty to one charge and received a one-year monitored supervision sentence, a suspended 60-day jail term, and fines totaling $500.
The case stemmed from a detailed investigation by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, which uncovered extensive evidence of illegal hunting activities.
Prosecuted by the Environmental Enforcement Section of the Attorney General’s Office, the case underscores Ohio’s commitment to protecting its natural resources and upholding ethical hunting practices.
