Rapid City Man Fined for Illegally Marking Pine Trees for Removal

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Brian Brademeyer, age 62, of Rapid City, pleaded guilty to illegally spraying 23 pine trees in the Black Hills National Forest near Palmer Gulch with black paint, designating them for cutting and removal by the Forest Service. Pursuant to a plea agreement, U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy ordered Brademeyer to pay $475 in fines and $25 in court costs.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Forest Service, Law Enforcement and Investigations, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins.