The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on February 3, 2012, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn S. Ostby, DAVID "BUD" LaROCHE, a 31-year-old resident of Salem, Oregon, appeared for sentencing. LaROCHE was sentenced to a term of:

Probation: 3 years

Special Assessment: $25

Restitution: $8,000

Fine: $2,500

LaROCHE was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to a Lacey Act violation.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kris A. McLean, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

Richard "Dick" Weiner (father) and Richard "Matt" Weiner (son) own and operate Sunnyview Kennels in Salem, Oregon. Dick Weiner also operates Oregon Outdoor Adventures LLC.

Oregon Outdoor Adventures LLC is an outfitting company that arranged big game hunts for clients on a ranch in Park County. Between 2005 and 2010, out-of-state resident clients each paid $1,500-$2,500 to Dick Weiner for hunts on this Montana ranch. Both Dick and Matt Weiner accompanied these clients during hunts in Montana, providing lodging, food, transportation and some guiding services.

LaROCHE was a client of Dick Weiner during the 2009 Montana big game hunting season. During this hunt LaROCHE killed a bull elk. LaROCHE had no Montana bull elk hunting license. Dick Weiner sold another one of his client's unused Montana bull elk hunting license to LaROCHE for $500. Montana hunting licenses are not transferrable. Dick Weiner transported this bull elk head and horns to Oregon.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that LaROCHE will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, LaROCHE does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

 

 

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