Second former deputy pays fine for hunting violation

By Joe Beck

The second of three former Warren County deputies who lost their jobs as they were investigated for illegal hunting and related offenses has paid a fine and court processing fee totaling $184.

Records in Warren County General District Court show Michael A. Robinson of Front Royal paid the fine on Nov. 16, 13 days after he and the other two deputies came under investigation by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

Robinson was charged with illegal hunting several days later. Bradley Pugh, another deputy in the hunting party, was also charged with illegal hunting, hunting, trapping or fishing without a license, and failing to properly dispose of a deer carcass. He paid a fine of $332 on the charges filed against him.

A third former deputy, Eric Ramey, was not charged. Capt. K.C. Clarke, a conservation officer with the department of game and inland fisheries, said his agency concluded Ramey did not commit any offenses.

All three submitted their resignations to Sheriff Daniel T. McEathron two days after the hunting violations were initially reported to Front Royal police.

Chief Norman Shiflett said one of his officers called investigators after determining the three might have been hunting illegally in an area close to his home.

Shiflett said his agency referred the case to the department of game and inland fisheries to ensure the investigation would not appear to have been compromised by the working relationship between the police department and the sheriff's office.

Contact staff writer Joe Beck at 540-465-5137 ext. 142, or jbeck@nvdaily.com