Poacher Gets Probation, Must Pay Restitution
Posted/updated on: May 30, 2017 at 11:46 amLONGVIEW — A hunter arrested a year ago on a poaching charge pleaded guilty Friday and was sentenced to probation and a hefty state financial penalty. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Phillip Dale Summerfield, 39, of Big Sandy was indicted in April. He was accused of killing white-tailed deer on land owned by Kilgore civic leader Randy Brogoitti and former Gregg County Judge Mickey Smith in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Assistant Gregg County District Attorney Tanya Reed said part of Summerfield’s probation prevents him from hunting in Texas for two years. Summerfield also must pay the state $10,790 in restitution. The fine goes to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, rather than the landowners, because the state is considered the owner of wildlife roaming its fields and forests, Reed said.
The proper name for the charge is “taking wildlife resources without permission.” The state jail felony carries up to two years in prison. The sentence issued by 188th District Judge David Brabham also includes 96 hours of community service. The judge additionally sentenced Summerfield under a deferred adjudication format that means he can prevent a finding of guilt from being entered onto his record if he adheres to conditions of the two-year probation.