“Operation Night Cat” Takes Down Massive New Hampshire Poaching Ring

In what is being touted as one of the largest poaching busts in the state’s history, four New Hampshire men and one Massachusetts man have been arrested as the result of a multi-agency sting operation known internally as “Operation Night Cat”.

According to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, the agency was first tipped off back in 2022 when reports surfaced about suspected illegal hunting activities in Gilmanton, New Hampshire. Working in tandem with the Gilmanton Police Department, the two agencies were able to secure a warrant for the cellular trail camera and cell phone belonging to one Thomas Kelly. 

After serving the warrant, officers gathered a great deal of incriminating evidence on Kelly and a number of others who were now sought as suspects in the growing investigation. The following month led to additional search warrants for Kelly and two other men believed to be involved.

“Multiple firearms with video recording scopes and infrared lights attached, archery equipment, electronic devices, wildlife pelts, and mounts were seized during the search warrants, “explained the NHFGD. “While reviewing the digital evidence collected on those three warrants, two more suspects were identified regarding wildlife violations committed in New Hampshire.”

As the investigation continued to swell, so too did the jurisdictions it encompassed. As more suspects were identified from both New Hampshire and Massachusetts, the case now included the involvement of three different counties, three courts, and numerous personnel from various County Attorney’s Offices. 

The persecution of the five identified individuals was lengthy but ultimately successful as the investigation yielded key arrests. According to Fish and Game, the following arrests have since been made:

• In March of 2023, Thomas Kelley, 33, of Gilmanton, NH, was arrested at the Gilmanton Police Department for multiple wildlife crimes.
  
  On May 16, 2024, Kelley pled to 7 violations to include Illegal Night Hunting, Hunting under Suspension, Illegal Baiting of Wildlife, and Illegal Baiting of Black Bear. A .22 rifle with video-recording scope and infrared light and a bobcat mount were forfeited. Kelley was fined $4,991 and lost his hunting privileges for 3 ½ years.

• On March 26, 2023, Sherwood Dubrey, 46, of Loudon, NH, was arrested on multiple wildlife crimes.
  
  On May 21, 2024, Dubrey pled Nolo Contendere to 10 Illegal Night Hunting charges, all Class B Misdemeanors. Dubrey was ordered to pay $2,790 in fines and restitution. His hunting privileges were suspended for 3 ½ years. An additional $9,341 in fines was suspended pending 5 years good behavior.

• On March 26, 2023, Randy Inman, 47, of Webster, NH, was arrested for multiple wildlife crimes.
  
  On September 20, 2024, Inman pled guilty to 13 Illegal Night Hunting charges, all Class B Misdemeanors and 3 violations of Illegal Possession of Deer. Inman was fined $3,720 in fines and $1,725 in restitution along with a loss of hunting and trapping privileges for 10 years. In addition, $7,494 in fines and $1,425 in restitution was suspended pending 5 years good behavior. Inman’s .22 caliber rifle with night-vision scope, iPhone, and iPad that were used in the commission of his crimes, were forfeited to the State. Inman was also convicted of Obstruction of Governmental Administration, a Class A misdemeanor, with 12 months in the House of Corrections, suspended for 2 years pending good behavior.

• In September 2023, Jonathan Carroca, 35, of Dracut, Massachusetts, was served with 3 Black Bear Baiting violations and 1 violation of Taking a Black Bear illegally in 2022. On May 17, 2024, a trial was held in the 4th Circuit District Division Court in Laconia. On May 21, 2024, Carroca was found guilty on all charges. Carroca was fined $992 and lost his hunting privileges for 1 year.

• On March 5, 2024, Gerald Williams, 68, of Canterbury, NH, pled to 2 counts of Illegal Trapping, was fined $248, and lost his trapping privileges for 1 year.

According to officials, the investigation has identified other suspects in other states where they are expected to face charges in their respective jurisdictions. As for the five suspects who have been arrested, they have since been placed into the Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact (IWVC). As such, they will be suspended in all 50 states for the equal type and time period as their New Hampshire suspensions.

“This was one of New Hampshire’s largest poaching cases in recent times.” The agency said. “The NHGFD would like to thank all local, State, and Federal agencies that assisted with this case.”