Poaching tip leads to arrest of suspected parole violator in Libby

A tip to Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks Warden Tami Laverdure led to the arrest of James Russell Carter IV on five misdemeanor hunting violations.

According to Adult Probation and Parole officer Steve Watson, Carter is a recent parolee who was referred back to Montana’s Sanction, Treatment, Assessment, Revocation and Transition (START) program following the arrest.

 The Montana Board of Pardons and Parole will decide if the violations justify revocation of his parole.

Warden Laverdure engaged the Libby Police Department and Adult Probation and Parole in her response to the tip, as she had been informed that Carter had been released on parole.

Laverdure stated that upon arrival she could see a deer hanging in the yard, untagged. A further search of the property revealed additional game, including another deer and several game birds in a freezer.

Laverdure said Carter initially claimed to not have the key to the locked shed in which the game was found, but later produced the key for law enforcement officers.

Carter was cited with five violations, including: two counts of unlawful possession or transport of a deer, one count of unlawful possession and transport of a game bird, one count of hunting an upland game bird without a licence and one count of hunting/trapping or attempting to hunt or trap without a license.

Each count can result in a fine of up to $500 and/or up to six months in jail.

Carter was out on parole after serving time for three convictions. In Nov. 2007, Carter was handed a sentence of 10 years for assault with a weapon and two five-year sentences for burglary and arson.