A Jackson County, Alabama man has been sentenced after a lengthy multi-agency investigation into repeated wildlife law violations, according to a report from WTVC News Channel 9 Chattanooga.
WTVC reports Jacob Clinton Galloway, of Section, Alabama, pleaded guilty to numerous wildlife violations following an investigation led by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, with assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.
According to Jackson County Assistant District Attorney Krystina Jackson, Galloway was already a convicted felon. In addition to approximately $5,000 in fines and penalties for the hunting violations, he received two concurrent 15-year prison sentences for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and felony attempting to elude law enforcement. Authorities also seized and forfeited all recovered firearms.
The investigation began after Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officer Sgt. Matt Moran received multiple complaints of gunshots being heard at night in Jackson and DeKalb counties. The information was shared with Lt. Greg Elrod, who said investigators worked alongside the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to identify a pattern.
According to Lt. Elrod, investigators determined Galloway would allegedly shoot deer at night, leave the area immediately, and return several hours later in a different vehicle to retrieve the animals. Authorities believe he had been illegally hunting in this manner for several years and may have been responsible for numerous complaints across the region.
During a targeted night hunting operation, officers reportedly observed Galloway shining fields from his vehicle. A pursuit followed before authorities were able to stop him. Investigators said weapons were thrown from the vehicle during the chase, but with the assistance of a nearby citizen, officers recovered a .450-caliber cartridge and two rifles.
A subsequent search warrant at Galloway’s residence led to the discovery of narcotics and ammunition, resulting in additional arrests on drug and firearms-related charges. After his bond was revoked, investigators later located and impounded Galloway’s Toyota Tundra, where another search uncovered seven additional firearms, ammunition, and 15 deer racks, several of which were believed to be from recently harvested deer.
Lt. Elrod credited Assistant District Attorney Krystina Jackson for her work throughout the investigation, saying she assisted officers with search warrants at all hours. He later nominated Jackson for the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award for Judicial Service, which she received. Elrod also recognized the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department for its assistance during the investigation.
Source: WTVC News Channel 9 Chattanooga.