Hunters Get Probation In Warren Deer Death
WARREN (WWJ) - Two men charged with killing a deer in Warren have been sentenced to probation and banned from hunting any animals for the next 12 months.
William Francis, 27, of Riverview and his half-brother, 19-year old Myles Ehret of Royal Oak, were spotted dragging a buck from a wooded area near Van Dyke and 14 Mile Road, late last year.
Hunting of any kind is unlawful in Warren and punishable by up to 90 days in jail, under a city ordinance.
Francis and Ehret were arrested after residents in the area complained about hearing gunshots.
The two men were initially facing felony animal cruelty/torture charges but those were downgraded to misdemeanors. In a plea agreement with the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office last month, Francis pleaded guilty, and Ehret pleaded no contest, to misdemeanor animal cruelty.
The Macomb Daily reported 37th District Judge Dean Ausilio ordered Francis and Ehret to pay $1,300 and $800, respectively, in fines and court costs plus $30 per month in probation.
The pair will also perform community service in Warren's Parks and Recreation Department or anti-blight efforts.
Following the incident in December, Warren Mayor Jim Fouts said in a statement that he was "appalled and outraged" that the men killed a deer within city limits. "I consider deer in our city a domesticated animal because their tameness and the joy they bring to observers, especially children," Fouts said. (Read more here).
