This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A Michigan hunter faces a court hearing next week in Wasatch County and three other men are being screened for possible charges after allegedly killing a deer illegally, and then trying to hide the crime.
Fourth District Judge Roger Griffin will preside at Evan Sutherland's Nov. 2 initial appearance in Heber City. Sutherland, of Rochester Hills, Mich., is charged with class A misdemeanors for wanton destruction of wildlife and discharge of a firearm within 600 feet of a dwelling, and a class B misdemeanor count of obstructing justice.
Sutherland is free pending court proceedings after posting $4,580 bond on Tuesday.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources agent Lucas McTaggart made the arrest after investigating reports of gunfire near homes in the Brighton Estates area. Witnesses said they saw four men dragging away the slain deer shortly thereafter.
McTaggart said he located the men, including Sutherland, and discovered the Michigan man did not have a permit or hunting license when he allegedly shot the deer. The men purportedly also had tried to hide both the carcass and Sutherland's rifle.
While no charges were immediately filed against Sutherland's companions, Wasatch County prosecutors are reviewing the incident.
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