🦌Charges Dismissed Against Pennsylvania Drone Operator in Deer Case

[GOYABEAN]

🤗 Charges against a Chester County man who had been found guilty of using a drone to recover game were dismissed Thursday during an appeal trial.

Joshua Wingenroth, of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, was previously found guilty during a summary trial of two counts of using illegal electronic devices during hunting, disturbing game or wildlife, and violation of regulations on recreational spotlighting. The charges stem from a sting operation conducted by the Pennsylvania Game Commission in December 2023.

The guilty verdict was appealed to the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas where all charges were dismissed. In addition to having all charges dropped, the court ordered the return of Wingenroth’s drone, which had been seized as evidence.

Drone Operator Found Guilty in Deer Recovery Case
According to a statement released by Michael Siddons, an attorney representing Wingenroth, Judge Margaret C. Miller determined during the appeal trial that the Game Commission withheld possible exculpatory evidence against the defendant — a Brady Rule violation.

A Brady Rule violation occurs when a prosecutor fails to disclose evidence that is favorable to the defendant.

Siddons did not know the extent of the violation. Game Commission spokesman Travis Lau said the agency won’t refile the charges against Wingenroth.

In regard to the court ruling on withholding evidence, the Game Commission disagreed with the court, according to an agency statement.

“While the Game Commission values the Court and its ruling, we strongly disagree with the assertion that any procedural rules were violated. To the contrary, the Game Commission’s investigation in this matter, as well as the Commonwealth’s representation of the facts in court, were consistent with the rules applicable to summary proceedings. Drones remain unlawful for hunting use, including for tracking, based on the law’s broad prohibition on electronic devices.”

In December 2023, Wingenroth was targeted in a sting operation by the Game Commission that occurred at the Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve in Lancaster County.

Wingenroth, who owns Wingy Drone Services, was contacted by a hunter who claimed to have wounded a deer and asked him to use a drone to locate the animal. Game Commission wardens arrived on the scene as Wingenroth was operating the drone, which was seized as evidence. In his statement, Siddons said the hunter who initially contacted Wingenroth was an undercover Pennsylvania Game Warden.

According to citations, Wingenroth was alleged to have disturbed an antlered deer while operating the drone and to have used an artificial light from the drone to locate deer.

The incident took place during the statewide firearms deer season when the use of spotlights is prohibited.

Prior to operating the drone, Wingenroth had the hunter sign a waiver agreeing that if the deer was found alive, no attempt to hunt the animal would be made until another day.

In his statement, Siddons noted the court didn’t reach a decision on whether the use of a drone to recover downed game is permissible, or if tracking game at night, without a weapon, is allowed without first contacting the Game Commission.

Not long after the incident occurred with Wingenroth, state Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-Lehigh, introduced legislation to make the use of electronic aids, including drones, lawful for game recovery. Coleman cited Wingenroth’s situation as a reason for the legislation.

The legislation never made it to the floor for a vote, but Coleman has stated he will reintroduce it again this session.

https://www.lancasterfarming.com/cou...256343486.html

[BobFromBucks]

Is being a sociopath a requirement to be part of the PA Game Commission? I've heard and witnessed enough over the years to believe it must be.

In December 2023, Wingenroth was targeted in a sting operation by the Game Commission that occurred at the Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve in Lancaster County.

Wingenroth, who owns Wingy Drone Services, was contacted by a hunter who claimed to have wounded a deer and asked him to use a drone to locate the animal. Game Commission wardens arrived on the scene as Wingenroth was operating the drone, which was seized as evidence. In his statement, Siddons said the hunter who initially contacted Wingenroth was an undercover Pennsylvania Game Warden.

[GOYABEAN]

Is being a sociopath a requirement to be part of the PA Game Commission? I've heard and witnessed enough over the years to believe it must be.

In December 2023, Wingenroth was targeted in a sting operation by the Game Commission that occurred at the Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve in Lancaster County.

Wingenroth, who owns Wingy Drone Services, was contacted by a hunter who claimed to have wounded a deer and asked him to use a drone to locate the animal. Game Commission wardens arrived on the scene as Wingenroth was operating the drone, which was seized as evidence. In his statement, Siddons said the hunter who initially contacted Wingenroth was an undercover Pennsylvania Game Warden.

Things that make you go Hmmm 🤔

[EFK]

I guess they'd rather people just whack deer to runn oft and die somewhere, and subsequently just let the scavengers get it.

I am all for ANYTHING that assists someone recovering a mortally wounded or dead deer.

[Here4now]

I guess they'd rather people just whack deer to runn oft and die somewhere, and subsequently just let the scavengers get it.

I am all for ANYTHING that assists someone recovering a mortally wounded or dead deer.

Agree.

[JenniferG]

Is being a sociopath a requirement to be part of the PA Game Commission? I've heard and witnessed enough over the years to believe it must be.

In December 2023, Wingenroth was targeted in a sting operation by the Game Commission that occurred at the Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve in Lancaster County.

Wingenroth, who owns Wingy Drone Services, was contacted by a hunter who claimed to have wounded a deer and asked him to use a drone to locate the animal. Game Commission wardens arrived on the scene as Wingenroth was operating the drone, which was seized as evidence. In his statement, Siddons said the hunter who initially contacted Wingenroth was an undercover Pennsylvania Game Warden.

They always believe they are above the law including the US Constitution's 4th amendment. They need to be sanctioned thoroughly by the law.

[RockIsland]

Is being a sociopath a requirement to be part of the PA Game Commission? I've heard and witnessed enough over the years to believe it must be.

In December 2023, Wingenroth was targeted in a sting operation by the Game Commission that occurred at the Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve in Lancaster County.

Wingenroth, who owns Wingy Drone Services, was contacted by a hunter who claimed to have wounded a deer and asked him to use a drone to locate the animal. Game Commission wardens arrived on the scene as Wingenroth was operating the drone, which was seized as evidence. In his statement, Siddons said the hunter who initially contacted Wingenroth was an undercover Pennsylvania Game Warden.

Seems like entrapment to me.