The last of several people charged with running that maimed the animals has pleaded guilty in federal court.
Colorado wildlife officials say 31-year-old Nathan Simms, of Grand Junction, is set to be sentenced in June for his role in the operation. He admitted to eight misdemeanor counts earlier this month.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife said as part of a plea agreement Simms accepted a recommendation that he serve a six-month prison sentence. He also faces a possible lifetime ban from hunting and fishing in the state.
“We want to make it clear to anyone that chooses to ignore our laws that we take wildlife violations very seriously and our officers will do what it takes to bring them to justice,” Ron Velarde, CPW northwest regional manager, said in a statement.
Christopher Loncarich, the owner of the now defunct outfitting business that employed Simms, is serving a 27-month sentence in federal prison.
CPW says the business operators developed a scheme to capture and maim mountain lions and bobcats in western Colorado and eastern Utah, making it easy for their hunting customers to kill the animals.
Officials say hunters, some of them from out-of-state, paid up to $7,500 for the hunting tours.
CPW said veteran wildlife officers called the operation one of the most disturbing cases they had ever seen.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or @JesseAPaul
