Two Echo Bay residents are among a group of five hunters who pleaded guilty to various charges in connection with an illegal moose kill in Algoma District two years ago.
According to a news release from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the group was hunting for moose on Oct. 21, 2022 near Mashagama Lake in Renwick Township.
“Members of the group shot at and killed a cow moose for which the group did not have a valid licence,” the news release says. “To cover up the illegally harvested cow, one of the members drove to the nearest licence issuer to purchase their unclaimed cow tag after the fact. The group then removed the moose from the bush and divided the meat amongst the members.”
When conservation authorities started to ask questions, “members of the group conspired to create a false narrative to mislead investigators,” the ministry says.
The case was heard at the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste. Marie on various dates in 2023 and 2024.
Louie Frustaglio of North York pleaded guilty to hunting a cow moose without a licence, making a false statement to a conservation officer and possessing an illegally killed cow moose. He was fined $5,500.
Michael Fardella of Palgrave pleaded guilty to hunting a cow moose without a licence, making a false statement to a conservation officer and possessing an illegally killed cow moose. He was fined $5,500.
Marco Paolini of Nobleton pleaded guilty to possessing an illegally killed cow moose and making a false statement to a conservation officer. He was fined $3,500.
Ian Frazier of Echo Bay pleaded guilty to possessing an illegally killed cow moose and failing to complete his mandatory hunter report. He was fined $2,000.
Kellie Frazier of Echo Bay pleaded guilty to possessing an illegally killed cow moose and was given a suspended sentence.
“The Ontario government is safeguarding moose populations by ensuring hunters only harvest what they have tags to hunt,” the news release says.
To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. Tipsters can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.
More information about unsolved cases can be found HERE.
