Three Deer Hunters Charged With Lacey Act Violations on Fort Riley

TOPEKA, KAN. – Three men are charged in federal court on Fort Riley with illegally hunting whitetail deer in off-limit areas located on Fort Riley where explosives are discharged during training exercises, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

The misdemeanor charges allege the men violated the federal Lacey Act while hunting white-tail deer on the grounds of the Army base over the past few years. An investigator’s affidavit alleges the hunters disregarded the posted “off-limits” area, entering before daylight and leaving after dark.

Charged in the case are:

Gregory J. Frikken, 55, Wamego, Kan., one count of criminal trespass, two counts of conspiracy to commit criminal trespass, four counts of Lacey Act violations, one count of conspiracy to commit Lacey Act violations.

James C. Nunley, 32, Wamego, Kan., five counts of Lacey Act violations, one count of criminal trespass and one count of conspiracy to commit criminal trespass.

Michael J. Smith, 55, Watertown, N.Y., one count of criminal trespass, one count of conspiracy to commit criminal trespass, three counts of Lacey Act violations, one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act.

Investigators recovered evidence including deer mounts, antlers, phone data and equipment allegedly used to harvest eight whitetail deer, three of which are considered trophy class.

If convicted, the defendants could face up to one year in jail, maximum $10,000 fine and a mandatory $25 special assessment fee for each Lacey Act Violation which also could include, civil forfeiture and a loss of their federal hunting privileges.

Investigating agencies included the Directorate of Emergency Services, Fort Riley Conservation Law Enforcement Officers, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the New York State Environmental Conservation Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin A. Graham is prosecuting.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.