July 17, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Prosecutor Tim Rutkowski, 989.269.9255
On July 16, 2024, a Huron County jury found Kevin McKee guilty of one count of Wildlife Conservation – Use of Bait to Aid in the Taking of a Deer.
The charges arose out of an investigation by Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Kyle Bucholtz. On November 16, 2023, Conservation Officer Bucholtz was on patrol and observed an individual placing deer bait in an open field in Huron Township. After conducting a traffic stop of the observed individuals’ vehicle, Officer Bucholtz was provided information that led to an investigation into the taking of a deer by the Defendant on November 15, 2023. Upon further investigation by Officer Bucholtz into the Defendant’s taking of the deer, a 7-point Buck, it was determined that the Defendant had placed bait in the vicinity of the Defendant’s deer stand and where the deer was shot in violation of Michigan Law.
The defendant was arraigned on March 26, 2024, on a Wildlife Conservation – taking a deer over bait charge, which was later amended to a charge of Wildlife Conservation – Use of Bait to Aid in the Taking of a Deer.
A day long jury trial was held in the 73B District Court on July 16, 2024, with Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Hunter representing the People of the State of Michigan. The evidence included testimony from Conservation Officer Kyle Bucholtz and the Defendant, as well as audio recordings of the interactions between Officer Bucholtz and the Defendant, and photographs taken by Officer Bucholtz.
After 30 minutes of deliberation, a jury of two women and four men found McKee guilty as charged. After the guilty verdict, District Court Judge David B. Herrington proceeded with sentencing. Judge Herrington sentenced the Defendant to a state mandatory 5 year suspension of the his hunting license and restitution in the amount of $2,000.00. The Defendant was not sentenced to any jail time or probation and was ordered to pay additional fines and costs. The deer taken by the Defendant was confiscated by Officer Bucholtz on November 16, 2023, and it was donated to a needy Huron County Resident.
