In a bizarre cauldron of wildlife violations, two Michigan men have been arraigned on a plethora of charges including animal torture and poaching.
Nicholas Patnode, 19, and Zander Garrett, 20, were arraigned Monday in Kalkaska County District Court after an investigation that kicked off in 2022 finally provided investigators with enough evidence to press charges.
“When there’s this many violations, including torturing animals, education only goes so far. These crimes need to be addressed,” said Jason Haines, chief of the DNR’s Law Enforcement Division. “Prosecution of these acts will hopefully deter not only these individuals but others from committing similar crimes in the future.”
The investigation was kick started with an anonymous tip to the DNR’s Report All Poaching hotline. In total, the pair were found to have illegally killed six deer, including a 9-point buck, through the window of a truck. And, while details remain limited, they have also been charged with killing and torturing animals for an incident with a porcupine.
Haines went on to praise the hard work of all involved.
“Our officers conducted a very thorough investigation to piece together many pieces of evidence from throughout the county,” he said.
Patnode is up against a total of 11 charges, including two counts of killing or torturing animals in the third degree, punishable by up to four years in jail, $5,000 in fines and up to 500 hours of community service. The remaining nine charges are misdemeanors, including taking game from a vehicle and possessing a bow or crossbow in a vehicle operated on public land or roads.
His partner in crime is facing one count of killing or torturing animals, one count of taking game from a vehicle and one count of possessing a bow or crossbow in a vehicle operated on public land or roads.There was also a third suspect whose identity has been hidden due to his age at the time of the crime. The minor has since processed a plea agreement through the county’s juvenile court.
