Carter Hickey, a 21-year-old resident of Ohio, has been sentenced for multiple wildlife crimes related to poaching. A judge ordered Hickey to post an apology on TikTok after he pleaded guilty to 17 charges, which included illegal hunting practices and the possession of 115 pounds of turkey meat. The investigation, conducted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, revealed that Hickey routinely violated hunting laws across nearly 20 states.
As part of his sentence, Hickey was ordered to pay a total of $35,000 in fines and restitution, serve 15 months in jail, and complete two years of community control sanctions. He must also perform 80 hours of community service within 18 months. Additionally, Hickey's hunting license has been revoked for five years, and he is required to pay $6,000 in lieu of forfeiting his pickup truck, along with a $5,000 contribution to the Ohio Turn In a Poacher program.
The spokesperson for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Tina Shaw, stated that Hickey's actions were significant violations of wildlife laws. Officers also seized 47 whole or partial turkey fans during the investigation. Hickey had previously posted misleading information about his hunting activities on TikTok, which contributed to the court's decision to require the apology.