ODNR TIMBER THEFT CASE RESOLVED

["J"]

315 trees cut down and timber sold. Ballsy move on their part, they received the FAFO award…….

https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/news/timber-theft-case

ODNR was awarded a total of $85,805.98 in damages as a result of the court case. A portion, $35,805.98, was for the value of the trees and $50,000 for property restoration costs.

Two of the defendants, John Knauff and Joseph Knauff, were previously tried and acquitted of criminal charges related to this incident.

 

["J"]

I guess I’m confused, John and Joe admitted to doing it, but were found not guilty?

 

[Ohiosam]

I tried to find more details and didn’t really learn much. I suspect they’re Amish. $85K for 300 trees doesn’t seem like enough. Was there some extenuating circumstance on how they crossed a property line? Like an incorrect survey?

 

[giles]

I tried to find more details and didn’t really learn much. I suspect they’re Amish. $85K for 300 trees doesn’t seem like enough. Was there some extenuating circumstance on how they crossed a property line? Like an incorrect survey?

I was thinking the same thing. Seems worth the risk as it would likely still be profitable to harvest the trees. IF this was a select harvest.