OPERATION CODY- An undercover investigation into WA's commercial poaching

[ucwarden]

This was a great book! I bought it after reading about it on huntWA, ordered it for my kindle (a first), sat down and read the whole thing in a day and a half! As a sportsman I have to say I was pretty disgusted by the amount of commercial poaching going on in our state, but was just as disgusted by the lack of enthusiasm of WDFW management and lack of serious penalties for those involved! The only way to stop this is to take it seriously and make it hurt (bad) when these criminals are caught! Thank you Todd for taking the time to write this book and for your undercover work that got some truly bad people off the street, even if it wasn't near long enough! Hopefully there will be more stings like this, and it will be supported by management at the WDFW. My son is going to school right now with hopes of becoming a game warden someday, he will be reading it next.

Thanks!!!!

Todd

[idahohuntr]

I just bought the book for my kindle and have been hooked...I read it every night in elk camp last week and it was hard to put it down and get some sleep...even knowing I had to get up at 4am.  I also think its pretty awesome ucwarden is on here...I know I will have some questions once I finish the book...I will have to pm though as I don't want to spoil anything for folks who haven't read it yet!!!   

[ucwarden]

I just bought the book for my kindle and have been hooked...I read it every night in elk camp last week and it was hard to put it down and get some sleep...even knowing I had to get up at 4am.  I also think its pretty awesome ucwarden is on here...I know I will have some questions once I finish the book...I will have to pm though as I don't want to spoil anything for folks who haven't read it yet!!!

Feel free to ask away.  Also take a look at my new website:  www.operationcody.com

[bigtex]

For those who read the book here is some personnel updates:

-As Todd wrote, Steve Crown is the new chief
-Mike Cenci, demoted himself to Captain for about two months but was then re-promoted to Deputy Chief and is now in charge of "statewide marine operations" which was previously a Captains responsibility (Cenci's old job) and in charge of Detectives
-Mike Hobbs who was promoted to Regional Captain in the book is now the Deputy Chief in charge of field operations for all regions, except marine officers

You now have 2 Deputy Chiefs when previously there was one

-Captain Dan Brinson who previously supervised Region 6 is now in charge of "Professional Standards" AKA internal affairs
-Captain Murray Schlenker previously supervised Region 5 now supervises Region 6 as well

[eldplanko]

I just finished this book last night... read it in 24 hours, I couldn't put it down. Here's a couple of thoughts and maybe a question or two:

1. Everyone who hunts big game or cares about our Natural Resources in WA should read this book. It gives an view into what challenges enforcement really faces on a day to day basis; that while known to some, would probably be eye opening to many.

2. Our state government is pretty messed up (as if anyone of us didn't know it). From eastside to westside politics; city folk that don't know jack about what goes on outside the city line besides what someone else tells them; to misguided and under-resouced policies etc, etc.

3. Without giving too much away... the lack of prosecution on a bunch of these seems most frustrating. I don't have any experience with the "other side" (I'm a pretty straight arrow kind of guy); but my guess this is a general problem in the criminal justice system; not just wildlife offenses. It make you sick with our LOEs bust their butts to make a case; but DAs don't have the resources to prosecute.

I could go on and on...

I've read your other thread and will write a letter to the Pierce County judge on "Bourny's" sentencing.

Thanks Todd for sharing your undercover work with the world. You've done more for this state than most, and should be proud.

One question: (and to preface I disagree with entire focus on shellfish by the DC). Is it possible that the strong focus on shellfish over big game was driven by some knowledge that these cases may actually have a greater chance of being prosecuted and result in stiffer penalties? It just seems like a lot of the big game violators are getting off with a slap on the wrist.

A second question: Did that cases that went Federal have a higher prosecution and penalty rate?

[Rainier10]

Just got the book on our Kindle the other day.  This is a great book so far and I wish I had the time to read it straight through.  I get about 30 minutes a night in and don't want to put it down.

This would make a great gift for the holidays.  I know I am going to be buying a few copies and handing them out as gifts.  I always have a tough time coming up with gifts but this is a no brainer for so many in my family.

[ucwarden]

I just finished this book last night... read it in 24 hours, I couldn't put it down. Here's a couple of thoughts and maybe a question or two:

1. Everyone who hunts big game or cares about our Natural Resources in WA should read this book. It gives an view into what challenges enforcement really faces on a day to day basis; that while known to some, would probably be eye opening to many.

2. Our state government is pretty messed up (as if anyone of us didn't know it). From eastside to westside politics; city folk that don't know jack about what goes on outside the city line besides what someone else tells them; to misguided and under-resouced policies etc, etc.

3. Without giving too much away... the lack of prosecution on a bunch of these seems most frustrating. I don't have any experience with the "other side" (I'm a pretty straight arrow kind of guy); but my guess this is a general problem in the criminal justice system; not just wildlife offenses. It make you sick with our LOEs bust their butts to make a case; but DAs don't have the resources to prosecute.

I could go on and on...

I've read your other thread and will write a letter to the Pierce County judge on "Bourny's" sentencing.

Thanks Todd for sharing your undercover work with the world. You've done more for this state than most, and should be proud.

One question: (and to preface I disagree with entire focus on shellfish by the DC). Is it possible that the strong focus on shellfish over big game was driven by some knowledge that these cases may actually have a greater chance of being prosecuted and result in stiffer penalties? It just seems like a lot of the big game violators are getting off with a slap on the wrist.

A second question: Did that cases that went Federal have a higher prosecution and penalty rate?

First, thanks for the favorable review (can I ask you to please write a review on Amazon?).

To your first question about shellfish cases vs. wildlife.  In my opinion the reasons WDFW focuses on shellfish over wildlife are;
1) Bias on the part of the DC & others
2) They are easier to work
3) They result in higher cash forfeitures
4) They can claim it is for "public health"
They can't really say it's due to higher penalties, as the only geoduck case I was involved in (I did a couple of undercover sales) resulted in a $500 fine and no jail.

To your question in if the federal prosecutions result in higher penalties; Absolutely!  It's not uncommon for a suspect who is charged by both the feds and the state to receive fines and no jail on the state charges, yet get years in federal prison.

Thanks again!

[ucwarden]

Just got the book on our Kindle the other day.  This is a great book so far and I wish I had the time to read it straight through.  I get about 30 minutes a night in and don't want to put it down.

This would make a great gift for the holidays.  I know I am going to be buying a few copies and handing them out as gifts.  I always have a tough time coming up with gifts but this is a no brainer for so many in my family.

Thanks!  If you want a signed hardcopy, go to my new website:
www.operationcody.com

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

I was looking at the website, what happened to Paul Sanders?  Did he ever get in trouble?  And the Russians?  Or were they dropped due to the statue of limitations

[ucwarden]

I was looking at the website, what happened to Paul Sanders?  Did he ever get in trouble?  And the Russians?  Or were they dropped due to the statue of limitations

Saunders will hopefully be charged with a multitude of crimes soon, as the followup investigation should be about wrapped up.
The Russians have been charged with both state and federal crimes, and their trials are pending.