When we usually see wildlife cases, they typically involve poaching or similar issues. However, it’s a little rarer when it comes to cases against deer processors, especially when they are illegally selling venison that is intended for local food pantries.
Operation Donor Deer Nets 35 Convictions in Ohio
A lengthy investigation by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife has wrapped up in Harrison County, and the results are significant. Dubbed Operation Donor Deer, the case led to the conviction of 35 individuals for a combined 55 wildlife violations tied to a local deer processor.
Illegal Venison Sales at the Center
At the heart of the case was Rodney Shields, 59, owner of Rod’s Custom Deer Processing in Harrisville, Ohio. Investigators found Shields unlawfully sold venison — including meat from properly checked deer that had been donated to local food pantries.
Shields pleaded guilty in Harrison County Common Pleas Court to seven charges, including felony counts of obstructing justice, theft by deception, and illegal sales, along with multiple misdemeanor theft charges and possession of untagged deer. He was ordered to pay $16,500 in restitution, received 17 months of suspended jail time, and will serve two years of community control.
Additional Defendants and Penalties
Robert Sliva and Thomas Bibeau also entered guilty pleas on various misdemeanor charges. Collectively, defendants in the case were assessed $6,313 in fines, eight years of hunting license suspensions, and 24 months of suspended jail time.
Zooming Out
This is a sad tale. Ohio hunters are doing a good thing by donating venison to food banks to help those in need. Especially around the holidays. Of course, people will always try to ruin a good thing by being selfish. Instead of handing the venison over to food banks, Shields and the others tried to make a quick buck (pun intended). Hopefully, this case will persuade others to follow the rules.
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Cory Ross worked in the firearms industry for nearly 13 years before moving to writing full-time. During that period, he was fortunate to work with and build relationships with some incredible people and companies. He also completed a Master of Arts in History from Cleveland State University, where he concentrated on American Imperialism. While he loves shooting and all things firearm, his other hobbies include training, gear, reading, film, and watches. He contributes to several other publications, including Outdoor HUB, The MDT Blog, Athlon Properties, Guns & Ammo Precision Rifle Shooter, Book of the AR-15, Shooting Times, Safariland Cadre Dispatch, The Armory Life, and Shooting News Weekly, among others.
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