Local News in Brief : Anaheim : Man May Face Charges Over 2 Bearskin Rugs
State game wardens are seeking felony charges against a Montana man they say they found trying to sell bearskin rugs at an outdoor sports and recreational vehicle show.
The state Department of Fish and Game has asked the Orange County District Attorney to prosecute Dennis L. LeVeque, 38, of Cascade, Mont., under a state law barring sale of bear parts, department spokesman Curt Taucher said Friday.
Prosecutors were reviewing whether to charge LeVeque under the law, which is intended to discourage poaching of the animals. It can be prosecuted either as a felony or misdemeanor. The maximum penalty on a felony charge is a $5,000 fine, one year in jail or both.
Wardens confronted LeVeque on Wednesday at the Sports Vacation and RV Show at the Anaheim Convention Center, where two brown-bear rugs, complete with heads, legs and claws were seized, state Fish and Game Warden Jan Yost said. They were priced at $550 and $950.
LeVeque, who was free pending review of the case, told wardens the bears had been hunted legally in Montana.
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