Man allegedly and illegally hauls deer between states

TEXARKANA, Texas — An information filed Friday in federal court in Texarkana accuses a man of illegally transporting deer across state lines in 2019 in violation of state and federal law.

The three count information accuses William Blackstone of negligent transportation of wildlife taken in violation of Oklahoma state law on three dates in November 2019. The case’s docket indicates Blackstone is expected to plead guilty at a hearing in Texarkana federal court next week.

According to the information pending in the Texarkana Division of the Eastern District of Texas, Blackstone allegedly transported an eight-point white-tailed deer across state lines Nov. 25, 2019. Blackstone is accused of transporting a spike whitetailed deer on Nov. 23, 2019, and of transporting a seven-point white-tailed deer on Nov. 27, 2019.

All three incidents represent violations of federal law and in violation of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Code, according to the information.

A notice of penalty attached to the information states that Blackstone faces up to a year behind bars and a fine up to $100,000 on each count. Defendants accused of misdemeanor offenses in federal court are routinely eligible for probation.

Court records show Blackstone is scheduled for an initial court appearance and plea hearing Jan. 19 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Caroline Craven. Blackstone is represented by New Boston, Texas, lawyer Kyle Davis. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble is representing the government.