Ohio poacher pleads guilty to illegally taking an 18-point trophy white-tailed buck deer

An Ohio man pleaded guilty to 14 counts in a high-profile taking of a trophy buck.

Christopher J. Alexander, 28, of Wilmington, on Tuesday pleaded guilty to 14 counts in the illegal taking of an 18-point trophy white-tailed buck deer in Clinton County on Nov. 9, 2023.

Alexander pleaded guilty to taking a second antlered buck during the 2023 hunting season, which is another violation of Ohio law according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

The 14 counts include:

• Illegal taking or possession of deer (two)
• Hunting without a license
• Hunting without a deer permit
• Selling illegally taken or possessed deer antlers
• Spotlighting
• Hunting without permission (four)
• Tampering with evidence
• Theft
• Misdemeanor theft
• Falsification

Alexander’s sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 11. Maximum sanctions could include $13,750 in fines, community control, a five-year hunting license suspension, and restitution for both bucks. The larger buck’s antlers have 18 scorable points, and the final restitution has been calculated at $35,071.73. The final restitution for the second buck, with eight scorable points, is $4,625.

Three accomplices also pleaded guilty in connection with the case.

Corey P. Haunert, 29, of Hillsboro, pleaded guilty to six counts:

• Attempted tampering with evidence
• Aiding a wildlife offender in taking or possessing of deer (three)
• Hunting without permission
• Falsification

Kristina M. Alexander, 37, of Blanchester, pleaded guilty to two counts:

• Obstructing official business
• Aiding a wildlife offender

Zachary R. Haunert, 31, of Lebanon, pleaded guilty to one count:

• Aiding a wildlife offender

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