PHOENIX — Attorney General Kris Mayes announced that a State Grand Jury has returned a 30-count indictment against fourteen individuals accused of poaching wildlife across Arizona.
The indictment alleges that between 2018 and 2021, the defendants engaged in conspiracy, illegal enterprise activity, theft, and animal cruelty by poaching regulated species such as bighorn sheep, elk, pronghorn antelope, deer, javelina, and turkey. The Arizona Game and Fish Department estimates the loss to the state at over $200,000.
The Impact of Poaching
Poaching is a serious crime that steals one of Arizona’s most precious natural resources: wildlife. It disrupts the state’s ability to manage wildlife populations and their habitats effectively, diminishes opportunities for hunting and fishing, and negatively impacts outdoor recreation.
“Poaching is more than theft—it is a crime against Arizona’s heritage and natural beauty,” said Mayes.
Public Help Needed to Combat Poaching
The Arizona Game and Fish Department urges the public to report any suspicious activity related to wildlife violations. Operation Game Thief, a silent witness program, provides a 24/7 toll-free hotline for reporting poaching violations.
Anyone with knowledge of a wildlife violation is encouraged to call the hotline and help protect Arizona’s wildlife for future generations.
Legal Disclaimer
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Arizona Game and Fish Department conducted the investigation, and the case will proceed through the judicial system.
For more information or to view the full indictment, visit the Attorney General’s Office website.
