Five young people from Leitchfield, including two teenagers, are among six suspects charged with over 100 counts related to the illegal taking of wildlife, unlawful transaction with a minor and animal cruelty.
“Game wardens with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources 3rd District have concluded a year-long investigation into a major poaching case involving six people,” Kentucky Fish and Wildlife said in a press release. “The group is responsible for the illegal killing of several hundred animals, including deer, turkey, fox and a domestic pet.”
The investigation reached a turning point on July 16, 2024, when Game Warden Sgt. Thomas Blackwell and then-Game Warden Steven Nelson intercepted the group of young people during a traffic stop.
The wardens, according to Fish and Wildlife, observed the suspects using high-powered lights to illuminate fields from a vehicle along public roadways – a practice known as spotlighting.
A search of the vehicle revealed multiple .22-caliber firearms, spotlighting equipment and open alcoholic beverages.
“Although the suspects initially claimed they were raccoon hunting, game wardens noted no open season for the species was in effect at the time,” Fish and Wildlife said.
A subsequent investigation by Game Warden Sgt. Steven Nelson and Game Warden Logan Reynolds uncovered a coordinated effort to illegally take wildlife across Hardin and Grayson counties, resulting in 116 criminal charges.
Those charged include:
- Michael Allen Sauer, 21, of Leitchfield: Charged with 76 violations, including 52 counts of illegal take of deer/turkey, spotlighting, animal cruelty and unlawful transaction with a minor.
- Aden Walker, 21, of Elizabethtown: Charged with illegal take of wildlife, spotlighting and discharging a firearm from a roadway.
- Malachi Delatour, 18, of Leitchfield: Charged with illegal take, animal cruelty and unlawful transaction with a minor.
- Joshua Stevenson, 20, of Leitchfield: Charged with illegal take and hunting without permission.
- Bradley Webb, 18, Leitchfield: Charged with illegal take and taking wildlife from a vehicle.
- Madison Whittington, 20, Leitchfield: Charged with illegal take of deer/turkey.
The public is encouraged to report suspected poaching activity to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife.
You may call 800-25-ALERT or contact your local Kentucky Game Warden at the Find My County Contact webpage on the department’s website (fw.ky.gov), or alert Kentucky State Police.
(Headline photo l-r: Michael Allen Sauer, Bradley Webb, Malachi Delatour; mugshots not available for Joshua Stevenson and Madison Whittington)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
