Two Poachers Plead Guilty To Killing Elk

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. -- Two men arrested in September for illegally killing a bull elk plead guilty Thursday in Jefferson County Court.

Kimberly Anthony Shrout, 54, and his son, Anthony Lee Eugene Shrout, 20, live in Rockport, Ill., and entered their guilty pleas through their attorney, the Jefferson County district attorney said.

In addition to other charges, both men pleaded guilty to the count of aggravated illegal possession of wildlife, which has been called "Samson's Law." The law is named for an elk illegally killed in Estes Park, and it carries a $10,000 penalty.

Officers from the Division of Wildlife received a call about a bull elk found dead at the corner of Hacienda and Soda Creek Drive on Sept. 13, authorities said. Officers waited for the hunters to return. After dark, three men were dropped off after dark to clean the animal, according to court records. Another man then picked up the men and the carcass, authorities said. At that time, all four men were arrested.

The two other suspects are charged with similar offenses. Their trials are expected to begin in June.