Four South-Central Hunters charged in taking two bull moose in Denali National Park

Anchorage, Alaska - U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that four South-central men were charged by information with the illegal take, possession and transport of two bull moose taken in Denali National Park in September 2012. 

Anchorage residents, Charlie W. Hart, 55, Deric C. Hart, 33, Wasilla resident, James C. Riggs, 58, and Homer resident, Michael C. Barth, 29, were all charged with a violation of the Lacey Act, and one count each of the unlawful take and unlawful possession of wildlife in a national park.  In a separate case, James C. Riggs was also indicted for the illegal possession of an unregistered silencer which was found in his home during the investigation of this case.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Skrocki, who presented the case to the grand jury, the four men illegally hunted for Bull Moose on Denali National Park and from September 3, 2012 through September 7, 2012, and during that time illegally killed two Bull Moose on Denali Park property.

Ms. Loeffler commends the National Park Service, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management for their work in the investigation of this case.

An information is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.