(Cleveland) - A sixty-six count indictment has found its' way into the laps of eight suspects accused of taking part in an illegal deer poaching ring in Broadview Hts, Brecksville and North Royalton.
Prosecutors identify the ring leader as John Zayac of Broadview Heights. He and the rest of the suspects are accused of illegally harvesting or taking part in the ring which was responsible for the illegal gain of at least 39 deer over a two year period.
Prosecutors claim Zayac and crew took at least 3,000 pounds of deer meat much of which was packaged into smokies and sold.
Zayac faces 55 years in prison and more than $100,000 in restitution, if found guilty. Charges contained in the indictment include racketeering, possession of criminal tools and identity theft among others.
(Photo courtesy of WTAM 1100's Carmen Angelo)