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DWR Statement on the Court Resolution of the Illegal Killing of Three Deer Including the Hollywood Buck
Richmond, VA — After countless hours of investigative work and 10 search warrants executed by the Law Enforcement team at the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), with assistance from Chesterfield County and Richmond City police departments, the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, and Hollywood Cemetery, Jason Walters was charged with 20 separate wildlife violations and Alan Proffitt was charged with six violations related to the illegal killing of three deer including the Hollywood Buck.
The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Richmond has been a dedicated partner in the prosecution of these crimes and today, we are seeing one of the strongest enforcement outcomes in recent memory.
Mr. Walters pleaded guilty to all 20 charges and was sentenced to six months in jail with three months suspended, fines totaling $2,500 and replacement costs totaling $11,000 for the Hollywood and the two additional illegally killed bucks. In addition, Mr. Walters will lose his hunting privileges for 24 years (100 years, with 76 years suspended).
Alan Proffitt was found guilty and must pay $1,250 in fines and serve 30 days of house arrest. Mr. Proffitt’s hunting privileges were revoked for six years (30 years, with 24 suspended).
The considerable penalties included will certainly be a deterrent to future wildlife crime and should give the community a level of comfort that this type of crime is taken very seriously in the Commonwealth.
Hunting is a treasured tradition in Virginia. Unethical and criminal behavior tarnishes the reputation of the sport and gives a bad name to those that engage in it lawfully. The department will always put the safety of the public and the conservation of the Commonwealth’s natural resources first and pursue anyone who violates the law.
In addition, DWR will be working with the outdoors community and our partners to determine the best way to memorialize this incredible animal.