Press Releases
Sentencing -- Paul R. Payton
May 19, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Honorable Richard G. Kopf, United States District Judge in Lincoln, Nebraska, on May 19, 2008, sentenced Paul R. Payton to 12 months of home curfew (similar to home detention or home confinement) as a condition of 5 years probation. While on probation, Paul Payton is prohibited from hunting, guiding, outfitting, or accompanying or assisting anyone who is hunting, guiding, or outfitting. Additionally, he is responsible, jointly and severally with his co-defendant, Kent Hippen, to reimburse the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service $12,957.95 for the cost of the investigation. In lieu of a fine, Paul R. Payton shall make a contribution in the amount of $15,000.00 to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and $5,000 to Nebraska Raptor Recovery. The sentencing followed Paul Payton’s guilty plea on February 15, 2008, to an information charging a felony violation of federal game laws - more specifically that he assisted in providing guiding services which resulted in the unlawful killing of two turkeys.
Paul Payton was one of two people who owned and operated Nebraska Trophy Whitetails which was located near Virginia, Nebraska, and which provided guiding and outfitting services for deer, turkey, waterfowl, and upland game hunts. The charges were the result of a more than year long undercover investigation by U.S. Fish and Wildlife agents. His co-defendant, Kent Hippen was sentenced on May 15, 2008.
Name of Defendant: Paul R. Payton
AKA:
Age: 56
City of Residence: Crab Orchard, Nebraska
Crime(s) Charged and Potential Penalty: Providing Guiding Services for the Unlawful Killing of Wildlife - 5 years imprisonment; $250,000 fine; 3 years term of supervised release, and $100 special assessment.
Specific Location of Alleged Crime: Gage County, Nebraska
Location of Arrest: N/A
Alleged Dollar Loss/Type and Quantity of Drug: N/A
Others Charged in Same Scheme: None
Relevant Dates:
Date of Alleged Crime: 04/18/2003
Federal Arrest Date: N/A
Indictment Returned Date: N/A
Information filed Date: 02/15/2008
Initial Appearance Date: 02/15/2008
Plea or Trial and Date(s): 02/15/2008
Sentencing Date: 05/19/2008
Next Court Hearing Type and Date: N/A
Assigned Magistrate Judge: David Piester
Held without Bond, or Released from Custody: Released
In Continuous Custody Since: N/A
Assigned District Court Judge: Richard Kopf
Initials of Assigned AUSA/Preparer of THIS Release: ALE
