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.”
|