A hearing is held Oct. 24, 2024 in Fond du Lac County juvenile court for one of the teens suspected in a multi-county deer poaching scheme. PC: Fox 11 Online
FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — One of three teens charged in a multi-county deer poaching scheme has reached a plea deal with prosecutors.
State law prohibits those accused in juvenile court from being identified publicly. Their charging documents are also confidential.
Jessica Kroening, 36, is the only adult charged in the case. Prosecutors say the group used the deer to make European mounts.
The 16-year-old, from Campbellsport, appeared in Fond du Lac County court on Thursday morning for a plea and disposition hearing. A disposition hearing is the equivalent of a sentencing in adult court.
Judge Douglas Edelstein said, in the eyes of the court, the allegations against the teen are the most significant example of poaching in Fond du Lac County.
And while the judge told both sides he doesn’t disagree with the plea agreement, he needs more time to reflect on the charges before handing down a sentence. The judge also asked attorneys on both sides to look into restitution recommendations based on the law, before the teen’s next court appearance.
During the hearing, the judge learned the teen was remorseful for his actions. And he was influenced by one of the other teens charged. The weapon and vehicle used in the incidents belonged to one of the other teens.
The prosecutor told the judge this is the first time the teen has been trouble with the law. He has good character, a supportive family, does well in school, holds a job and he doesn’t believe the teen will commit crimes like this in the future.
The teen’s mother said she didn’t approve of what her son did, and she’s taken action since to ensure it doesn’t happen again. The woman added her son is getting good grades in school, works regularly and she’s proud of the changes he’s made in his life.
His attorney, William Pipp, adding the teen wants to take hunter safety classes, he’s interested in the proper harvesting of deer and he’d eventually like to volunteer or participate in community service with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
The teen will be back in court on Nov. 22.
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