Southeastern Outdoors Birds & Birding
Southeastern Outdoors
Home > Outdoor Activities > Hunting > Mississippi Deer Poachers
Bass Pro Shops Web Site Promotion
   

Two Defendants Sentenced in “Operation Stone Duck” for Meth
Sale and Illegal Deer Hunting

July 8, 2008

Dunn Lampton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, announced the sentencing of Mark Necaise a/k/a “Scope” of Kiln Mississippi, and Samuel Necaise of Picayune, Mississippi, by Senior United States District Judge David C. Bramlette in federal court in Natchez, Mississippi. Mark Necaise was sentenced to 10 years and one month on two counts relating to the sale of methamphetamine and four wildlife violations related to the illegal spotlighting and killing of white-tailed deer. Samuel Necaise was sentenced to three years and 10 months on one count of sale of methamphetamine and two wildlife violations. Both previously pled guilty to all charges.

“Operation Stone Duck” is an ongoing joint investigation involving the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and federal agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The investigation initially focused on the illegal taking of trophy white-tailed deer and migratory game birds in Mississippi. The investigation also uncovered the sale of drugs, as well as possession and manufacturing of automatic weapons. Most of the illegal spotlighting of trophy bucks occurred on Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, John C. Stennis Space Center, private property and other state and federal lands. Many of the white-tailed bucks were killed during the closed season. The investigation remains ongoing.

On October 17, 2007, federal and state agents executed numerous federal search warrants and arrested Mark Necaise, Samuel Necaise and John W. Cuevas, Jr. Approximately 80 firearms and 55 mounted white-tailed bucks were seized along with three vehicles. Drugs were also found at one location.

On February 26, 2008, John W. Cuevas, Jr., pled guilty to one felony relating to illegal possession of a firearm on the premises of John C. Stennis Space Center and five misdemeanor wildlife violations. Cuevas was sentenced on April 22, 2008, by U.S. District Judge David Bramlette to three six-month terms of imprisonment, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $3,500.

Neal Necaise of Picayune was indicted on February 5, 2008, for manufacturing and possessing illegal machine guns. He entered a guilty plea on April 15, 2008, and is awaiting sentencing on July 10, 2008, before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett in Gulfport, Mississippi.

U.S. Attorney Dunn Lampton said that the sentences should serve as a warning. “We will do everything we can to put away drug dealers and those who illegally kill wildlife. These sentences should send a strong warning that state and federal agencies are working together to put criminals in prison and keep them there,” said Lampton.

Robert T. Oliveri, resident agent in charge with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service added, “The sentencing of the subjects in this investigation should send a clear message that selling drugs and poaching on a national wildlife refuge and other private lands will have serious consequences.”



 

 

Questions, answers and tips about big game hunting can be found in our Hunting Discussion Forums.

Hunting Info
Poachers by State
Hunting & Shooting
Game Wardens
Hunting Jokes
Trophy Room
Venison Recipes
 
Sponsor Links
Outdoors-411
 
 
Related Links
Mississippi DWFP
Mississippi Cabin
Mississippi B&B
Shooting Ranges
Hunting Guides
 
Deer Hunting Books