Warsaw Officer Charged with Hunting Violation to Keep Job
Posted
Craig Brosman-
A Warsaw Police Department officer who had hunting-related charges filed against him will not lose his job.
WPD Patrolman Ryan Moore has agreed to a pre-trial diversion on his charge of hunting by aid of bait, a Class C misdemeanor. A pre-trial diversion is similar to probation, where the offender pays to be a part of the program and follows guidelines set by the prosecutor’s office.
WPD Chief Scott Whitaker said he is aware of the situation and is keeping an eye on the situation.
“He’s been a solid employee with no other personnel issues,” Whitaker said. “He will not lose his job.”
Whitaker additionally said that any further action would be dealt with internally.
By agreeing to the diversion Moore agreed to pay $220 in fees for the program, complete 20 hours of community service, and surrender his hunting license for a period of one year. As long as Moore is not charged with a violation of any criminal law, crime, infraction, or ordinance, on a federal, state or local level within a year his charge will be dismissed.
Moore was accused of hunting in Kosciusko County with deer bait at the end of September and beginning of October, after DNR conservation officers found him with deer bait next to his tree stand. The DNR officers were tipped off to the situation when another hunter found a mineral block in front of a deer stand on an adjacent parcel of property.
