DNA cracks yearslong Wyoming poaching case, hunter banned for life

A multi-year wildlife poaching investigation in Fremont County involving the illegal taking of deer, elk and a moose has been finalized following a guilty plea in Circuit Court.

Dakota Jordan of Lander pleaded guilty to eight wildlife charges stemming from illegal hunting activities dating back to 2021. Following the plea, Circuit Court Judge Jefferson Coombs ordered the following penalties:

• Jordan’s privileges to hunt and trap in Wyoming are revoked for life. Under Wyoming law, he is prohibited from accompanying or being in the field with anyone who is hunting or trapping. The lifetime suspension is also valid in 49 other states due to the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. 
• Sentenced to 96 days in jail, which Jordan began serving following his court appearance.
• Three years of supervised probation.
• Fines and restitution totalling $18,000.
• Forfeiture of all weapons, wildlife parts and two vehicles used in the crimes. Titles to both vehicles have been signed over to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Final forfeiture for all equipment used in these crimes is pending Fremont County District Court action in the coming months. 

“This case highlights the dedication of our wardens and investigators, as well as the critical role modern forensic science plays in protecting Wyoming’s wildlife. We are lucky to have the help and support of a top notch Wildlife Forensics Lab in Laramie,” said Game Warden Jon Desonier, who led the investigation.

The complex investigation involved nearly every game warden in the Lander Region and department wildlife investigators working together to investigate illegal activities spanning several years.

While investigators documented evidence of additional animals illegally taken, charges were focused on the eight counts where location data, text messages, photo evidence and forensic DNA matches were conclusive.

Key investigative breakthroughs included:

• DNA samples extracted from headless carcasses found in the field were entered into the Game and Fish’s forensic database. Those samples ultimately matched physical evidence found at the suspect’s property.
• One poached elk was discovered by Game and Fish personnel conducting routine winter elk classification flights. Wardens followed up on the ground to collect DNA evidence, which was found to be a match when compared to elk ivories seized during a search warrant on the suspect’s property.
• To pinpoint the exact location of an illegally taken moose near Crowheart, investigators analyzed background details in a suspect photograph, working directly with a High Plains Power line maintenance crew to match the specific utility line depicted. 

Desonier worked closely with deputy Fremont County Attorney Terry Martin to navigate complex statutes and bring the multi-year case to a successful resolution.  

“Terry and the rest of the Fremont County Attorney’s Office spent a lot of time on this case to help ensure Mr. Jordan was brought to justice,” said Desonier

This case also involved Jordan’s father, who pleaded guilty several months ago to two related wildlife counts. He was sentenced to a 5-year suspension of hunting privileges and ordered to pay $5,370 in fines and restitution.

Game and Fish wardens are currently coordinating with law enforcement officials in neighboring states and tribal authorities with the Wind River Reservation to locate and formally charge two to three additional co-defendants linked to the operation.

This case would not have been possible without the dedication, collaboration and expertise of an exceptional team, including game wardens, current and former wildlife investigators and wildlife forensic scientists. Jason Hunter, Game and Fish wildlife supervisor in the Lander Region, played an integral role in the investigation, providing valuable experience, guidance, and expertise that helped ensure the case progressed smoothly. 

“The successful outcome of this case would not have been possible without the cooperation, information and assistance provided by members of the public and High Plains employees,” Desonier said. “Their contributions were instrumental in bringing this case to a successful resolution.”  

Wildlife crimes steal opportunities from law-abiding hunters and anglers. Anyone with information about illegal wildlife activity is encouraged to report tips:

• Stop Poaching Hotline: 1-877-WGFD-TIP (1-877-943-3847).
• Text Tip Line: Text keyword WGFD and your message to 847-411.
• Online: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/stop-poaching

Source: Wyoming Game and Fish

Photo: Pixabay