CJ Alexander Sentenced to Jail and Fines for Poaching 18-Point Deer
In a landmark ruling for wildlife conservation and legal hunting, Christopher J. “CJ” Alexander, 28, from Clinton County, Ohio, was sentenced to 90 days in jail and fined over $43,000 for his involvement in a high-profile poaching operation. This judgment surpasses typical poaching penalties, which can be as low as $300 in some states.
Alexander was convicted of felony charges, including theft by deception and tampering with evidence, as well as several misdemeanors related to hunting law violations. The case centered around the illegal poaching of an 18-point white-tailed deer, a prized trophy valued by hunters and conservationists.
The investigation revealed that Alexander, with accomplices Corey and Zachary Haunert and Kristina M. Alexander, used fraudulent documentation to deceive authorities and attempted to profit from the sale of the deer’s body parts. The deer was poached from private property without authorization, violating multiple hunting laws. The case also revealed a broader pattern of illegal activities aimed at exploiting Ohio’s hunting resources.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost praised the conviction, stating that it sends a strong message about upholding lawful hunting practices. “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,” Yost said.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the attorney general’s office were instrumental in the investigation leading to Alexander’s conviction.
Other individuals involved in the operation also faced penalties:
Corey Haunert: Pled guilty, receiving a suspended jail sentence, community service, and a fine.
Zachary Haunert: Received probation and a fine.
Kristina M. Alexander: Cooperated with investigators and was sentenced to probation and a fine.
The full sentence handed down to Alexander includes:
90 days in jail, with 90 days suspended and the remaining 90 days served at the Star Community Justice Center before eligibility for work release.
A 36-month suspended prison term, activated if community control is revoked.
5 years of community control.
$39,696.73 restitution to the Ohio Wildlife Fund and $2,000 to KSE Sportsman Media.
Additional fines and restitution, including $1,000 to the poaching hotline, a $1,000 wildlife fine, and court costs.
Participation in a 4- to 6-month community-based program at the Star Community Justice Center.
A hunting license revocation for at least 10 years, remaining revoked until full restitution is paid.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources also seized all hunting-related property as evidence, which will be forfeited.
This harsh penalty sends a clear message about the state’s commitment to protecting its wildlife and enforcing strict hunting regulations.