Game Wardens Arrest Eight In Damariscotta Area For Wildlife Violations

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Game Wardens arrested eight people tonight after serving six search warrants simultaneously in the Damariscotta Area at 6:00 p.m. last night.

"This small family group was responsible for the illegal killing or wounding of at least 30 deer this fall. They repeatedly night hunted off resident's front lawns. They used night vision technology to avoid detection and committed numerous violations while hunting during the daylight hours," said Major Greg Sanborn of the Maine Warden Service.

Richard Austin, 27, of Damariscotta was arrested for six counts of a possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Richard Austin also faces up to 35 additional charges of various wildlife crimes including night hunting, and hunting under the influence. Brian J. Bennett, age 24, of South Bristol was arrested on four counts of unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs; and Brian Bennett faces an additional 18 charges of various hunting violations including night hunting and hunting under the influence.

Also arrested were Joseph Gallagher, age 54 of Damariscotta; Benjamin Gallagher, age 20 of Damariscotta; Johan than M. Bennett, age 23 of South Bristol; Casey A Hanna, age 20 of Bristol; Keith G. Main, age 26 oif Damariscotta; and Jason Gallagher, age 24, of Warren. The preceding names were arrested on a variety of wildlife charges, including charges such as exceeding the bag limit on deer, driving deer, hunting deer after having killed on, hunting antlerless deer without a permit, hunting under the influence, and night hunting.

Evidence that was seized after serving the warrants include deer meat, deer antlers, deer parts, illegal drugs, firearms, archery equipment, night vision equipment and stolen property.

Game Warden Phil Dugas, case manager for the Maine Warden Service, stated in his affidavit that he is saddened by what he learned by this in-depth investigation of this group. In an affidavit for the warrant, Dugas stated, "Your affiant is appalled and frightened for the safety of the general public in the areas that these persons frequented while killing deer, as at all times they were using drugs, and then while under the influence of drugs, were handling and shooting firearms."

Lisa Bogue, Assistant District Attorney for Lincoln County "I am impressed by the work the warden service has done in putting this case together, I look forward to working with them and prosecuting these individuals to the fullest."

Over 70 people were involved in the operation, including 45 game wardens, 15 sheriff deputies, support and communication staff, and two Lincoln County Assistant District Attorneys. The Incident Command Post was the Lincoln County Communications Center in Wiscassett.

Lieutenant Nat Berry, Southern Field Commander for the warden service extended his sincere appreciation to Lincoln and Knox County Sherriffs departments for their logistical support and cooperation in this conservation law enforcement operation. -more-

The following people were arrested on the following charges. More charges could follow as the investigation continues.

Richard Austin, 27, of Damariscotta * Six counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person

Brian J. Bennett, age 24, of South Bristol * Four counts of unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs

Johanthan M. Bennett, age 23 of South Bristol * Two counts of night hunting * Two counts of hunting antlerless deer without a permit * Three counts of driving deer * Three counts of hunting under the influence * Four counts of hunting deer after having killed one

Benjamin Gallagher, age 20 of Damariscotta * Two counts exceeding the bag limit on deer * Four counts discharging a firearm near a dwelling * Five counts driving deer * Seven counts of hunting while under the influence * Seven counts hunting deer after having killed one * Ten counts of night hunting * Twelve counts of hunting antlerless deer without a permit

Joseph Gallagher, age 54 of Damiriscotta * One count of night hunting * Two counts of exceeding the bag limit on deer * Four counts of driving deer * Seven counts hunting antlerless deer without a permit * Eight counts hunting deer after having killed one

Jason Gallagher, age 24, of Warren * Two counts exceeding the bag limit on deer * Three counts hunting under the influence * five counts hunting antlerless deer without a permit * Five counts of driving deer * Seven counts hunting deer after having killed one

Casey A Hanna, age 20 of Bristol * One count of hunting antlerless deer without a permit * Two counts driving deer * Three counts exceeding the bag limit on deer * Four counts hunting deer after having killed one * Five counts hunting under the influence * Six counts night hunting

Keith G. Main, age 26 of Damariscotta * Two counts of hunting antlerless deer without a permit * Three counts of driving deer * Three counts hunting under the influence * Three counts of violation of suspended or revoked license -30-

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