Beaumont, Texas - An Angelina County Man found guilty in October 2013 of killing a Neches River alligator was sentenced on June 24, 2014, to pay $5,000 in restitution and serve one year probation, with the loss of all hunting rights during that period. During the investigation law enforcement agents discovered that a 13-foot American alligator, weighing approximately 800 pounds, was illegally shot and killed with a .22 caliber rifle. The Endangered Species Act prohibits the taking of an American alligator contrary to any federal or state regulations. This case was led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, in Houston, Texas in cooperation with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Criminal Investigations Division. It was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Texas.
Press release
BEAUMONT, Texas – An Angelina County Man found guilty of killing a Neches River alligator was
sentenced on June 24, to pay $5,000 in restitution and serve one year probation, with the loss of all
hunting rights during that period. Restitution will be paid back directly to the State of Texas.
Michael Wayne Scoggin pled guilty in an Eastern District of Texas courtroom to killing an American
alligator which is protected as an endangered species on October 23, 2013, a violation of state and federal
wildlife laws.
During the investigation led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with the Texas Parks
and Wildlife Department, law enforcement agents found evidence demonstrating that Scoggin shot and
killed a 13-foot American alligator, weighing approximately 800 pounds, with a .22 caliber rifle. He
reportedly shot the alligator from a canoe while traveling along the Neches River in Trinity County,
Texas. The skull, hide and rifle were recovered by federal and state law enforcement officers in March
2012.
It is a violation of Texas law to kill an alligator in Trinity County at any time other than from September
10 to September 30. Further it is a violation of Texas law to shoot an alligator from a boat in public water.
The Endangered Species Act prohibits the taking of an American alligator contrary to any federal or state
regulations. Alligators are listed as a threatened species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, with
specific rules.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, in
Houston, Texas and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Criminal Investigations Division. It was
prosecuted in the Eastern District of Texas by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph R. Batte.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife,
plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
The mission of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is to manage and conserve the natural and
cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the
use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Do your part to help protect natural resources in the State of Texas. Report resource crimes by texting
TPWD to Tip411, or by calling the Operation Game Thief toll-free hotline at 1-800-792-GAME (4263).
