2 Adams men arrested for unlawfully taking two deer

JEFFERSON COUNTY, N.Y. (WWTI) – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Law Enforcement charged two North Country men with multiple offenses related to alleged deer poaching in Jefferson County, according to a press release.

According to police, the subjects are repeat offenders who now face thousands of dollars in potential fines and revocation of their hunting licenses. Jonathan M. Lille, 23, and Tyler S. Monica, 20, both of Adams, were arrested on September 6 by Environmental Conservation Police Officers for unlawfully taking two deer in the towns of Henderson and Hounsfield on December 30 and 31, 2023.

Both defendants are charged with the following misdemeanor crimes:

• Unlawful taking of big game;
• Taking big game from a motor vehicle;
• Taking big game from a highway;
• Taking big game with the aid of artificial light;
• Discharge of a firearm over a public highway;
• Possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle; and
• Taking big game during the closed season.

Lille received an additional violation for trespassing on posted property.

Environmental Conservation Police Officers say the investigation began earlier this year when they received complaints about the pair from a member of the sporting community. According to the officers, the investigation revealed that Lille and Monica had allegedly used artificial lights to shoot the deer from a vehicle, at night, and during the closed season.

Local officers are familiar with both men, according to the press release, having charged them with similar offenses in the past. In 2021, Lille pleaded guilty to three unlawful hunting charges and Monica lost his hunting license until 2023 due to similar charges.

According to the DEC, both men face up to $9,000 in criminal fines and could have their hunting licenses revoked for up to five years. Tickets received in the town of Henderson were returnable to Henderson Town Court on September 9, and those received in the town of Hounsfield are returnable to the Town of Hounsfield Court on September 24.

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