News Release

Poaching suspicions result in 2 Ocala men facing drug charges

January 5, 2007
Contact: Officer Kat Kelley, (352) 427-6728

Two Ocala men face drug charges after a search warrant was served Thursday night at a Marion County residence following a three-week investigation into white-tailed deer poaching.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers were assisted by Marion County Sheriff's Office and Ocala Police Department officers in serving the warrant, which resulted in felony charges against the men.

Brian C. Pritchard, 23, and Ronald L. Starling, 43, both of 7 Spring Circle, Ocala, were arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail, where they were booked and held on bond Friday. A marijuana cultivation operation was found in one of the rooms of the residence, officers said.

Pritchard was arrested for felony cultivation of marijuana and taking deer at night with a gun and light. Starling was arrested for felony cultivation of marijuana.

Among items seized from the residence were four firearms, marijuana in various forms, drug paraphernalia, a laptop computer, numerous pieces of cultivation equipment and more than $40,000 in cash. Additionally, officers recovered a trophy white-tailed deer head. The investigation revealed the deer recently was taken illegally at night in the Ocala Wildlife Management Area.

"This is a perfect example of how poaching investigations by FWC law enforcement often leads to other criminal charges," said FWC Lt. Gregg Eason. "We work hand-in-hand with other law enforcement agencies when our investigations reveal additional information."

The general gun season for taking deer in the Ocala Wildlife Management Area is Nov. 11 through Jan. 7. Hunters can take one deer with at least one antler measuring 5 inches or more per day on the area. Hunting deer at night is illegal.

"This deer was taken illegally -- strictly for a trophy," Eason said. "One of our core missions is to protect the natural resources for the law-abiding citizens to be able to enjoy what Florida has to offer."

Anyone who sees a violation of wildlife and fish laws can call the Wildlife Alert hotline at (888) 404-3922 or visit the FWC's Wildlife Alert page to report it.

"Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible to receive a reward if the call results in an arrest," Kat Kelley, FWC's Northeast Region law enforcement spokeswoman, said.