Men accused of illegally killing a cougar sentenced

Two of the three men accused of killing a cougar in Schoolcraft County were sentenced Wednesday.

Troy Robert Richard, 42, was found guilty on two charges: endangered species–taking/possessing/buying/selling and conspiracy to commit endangered species–taking/possessing/buying/selling.

He will spend 30 days in the Bay County Jail, 24 months on probation, 120 hours of community service, and pay almost $6,000 in restitution, court fines, and costs.  Two other charges, animals–killing/torturing and lying to a peace officer were dismissed.

Theodore Robert Richard, 68, will also spend 24 months on probation one charge of endangered species–taking/possessing/buying/selling and pay about $1,700 in fines and costs.  His hunting privileges are revoked for two years.

Todd Anthony Richard, 43, pled not guilty to the endangered species charge and will hire an attorney to represent himself.

The three men are from the Lower Peninsula.

Conservation officers and other personnel from the Department of Natural Resources found evidence of the cougar’s death in December.