OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The owner of a Nebraska outfitting company has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for the illegal transport, purchase and sale of wildlife in interstate commerce.
Jacob Hueftle, 30, of Broken Bow, was sentenced Monday to 30 months in federal prison for a single count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, federal prosecutors said in a news release.
Hueftle, the owner of Hidden Hills Outfitters of Broken Bow, pleaded guilty to the count in July.
The government contends in a wide-reaching investigation that Hidden Hills Outfitters, Hueftle and other conspirators provided guiding and outfitting services to hunting clients for the unlawful killing of at least 97 animals in violation of Nebraska law. Nearly three dozen people, including hunters from other states, have been prosecuted in the case and ordered to pay about $600,000 in fines and restitution.