Maryville teens plead guilty to spotlighting, killing bear cubs

January 27, 2012

From WBIR.com

Two Maryville men face probation, fines, and community service, after killing two bear cubs.
 
According to TWRA, Jesse Lee McClellan, 18, and Corey Martin Campbell, 19, were in the Top of the World Community of Blount County last November, when they shone a light into the eyes of the cubs, causing them to freeze, then shot them.
 
They were charged with hunting within a closed season, hunting from a vehicle, and spotlighting wildlife, specifically bears.
 
The two appeared in a Blount County courtroom on Friday.
 
McClellan plead guilty to hunting within a closed season and spotlighting wildlife.  The hunting from a vehicle charge was dismissed.  He was sentenced to 6 months probation, 100 hours community service in a bear rescue or animal shelter, and must pay $200 in restitution to TWRA and all court costs and fines.  He also lost his hunting, trapping and fishing licences for five years and must have no contact with the Top of the World Community.
 
Campbell plead guilty to hunting within a closed season and hunting from a vehicle.  The spotlighting charge was dismissed.  Campbell was sentenced to
6 months probation, 150 hours community service in a bear rescue or animal shelter, and must pay $400 in restitution to TWRA and all court costs and fines.  His weapon was confiscated,and he also lost his hunting, trapping and fishing licences for five years and must have no contact with the Top of the World Community.
 
Campbell also plead guilty to drug possession.   He was sentenced to 11
months 29 days probation on that charge.

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