ATLANTIC, Iowa – Two Cass County men are under suspicion for allegedly possessing deer and other wildlife illegally after officers followed a trail that began with an illegal dumping complaint.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office received a call on December 29 about someone dumping litter on the side of a level B road. During the investigation, deputies found hides from four deer, a raccoon and badger carcass.
Information uncovered from the trash pointed officers to Sean Chamberlin, 23, and John Chamberlin, Jr., 47, of rural Atlantic.
The Sheriff and an officer with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources were granted access to the property on Dec. 30, and seized 111 deer, including an untagged deer; a badger and a raccoon, all allegedly taken illegally, and a bow and an unfilled archery deer tag as evidence.
Most of the deer that were seized were deer antlers. The case remains under investigation and charges are pending. Wildlife violations are simple misdemeanors.
“This is a good example of the public helping law enforcement by making a simple phone call, and different agencies working together in order to make a case,” said Sheriff Darby McLaren.
State Conservation Officer Brian Smith said the person who made the initial phone call deserves thanks.
“We would not have had the opportunity to make this case without that phone call,” Smith said.
The Atlantic Police Department assisted with the investigation.
