The United States Attorney's Office announced that on April 21, 2011, ERIC NELLIS, a 55-year-old resident of Manhattan, and GENE NELLIS, a 55-year-old resident of Pony, pled guilty to cutting and removing timber without a permit. Final judgment was ordered and signed by the court on April 25th. They were each sentenced as follows:

Fine: $1,000

Special Assessment: $50

Restitution: $1,677

Other: Assist in rehabilitating the National Forest Service Land

On June 12, 2010, Forest Service law enforcement documented approximately 160 trees that were cut and removed from National Forest Service Lands within the South Willow Creek Drainage on the Madison Ranger District, Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest. ERIC NELLIS and GENE NELLIS had cut down timber from both private property and National Forest Service Land. A damage assessment of the National Forest Service Land was prepared with an estimated rehabilitation cost to the government in excess of $12,000.

The investigation was conducted by the Law Enforcement and Investigations Division of the U.S. Forest Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley.

 

 

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