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Ohio Ginseng Investigation Leads to Charges |
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Posted: Thursday, 03 June 2010 6:25AM
Ginseng Investigation Leads to Charges
Jennifer Lourenco Reporting
| A former ginseng dealer has been convicted on six counts of failure to keep accurate records as required by state law.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, 62-year-old David Paulette of Malvern has been fined 6-thousand dollars, and his dealer license has been revoked.
As a result of the revocation, Paulette cannot acquire, sell or possess ginseng for a 30-year period.
Paulette also received a three-year suspended jail sentence, pending no further violations, and must report to a probation officer for the next two years.
Additionally, nearly 70 pounds of ginseng will be forfeited to the state.
To date, more than 60 violations of Ohio law have been identified with more than 30 individuals involved, and the investigation continues with additional charges and suspects expected.
Charges include digging ginseng without landowner permission, collecting or possession of ginseng during the closed season, failure to maintain accurate records, and failure to certify ginseng prior to export.
ODNR Officials say that Ohio certifies about 3,000 pounds of ginseng for export annually, and say there are more than 40 licensed ginseng dealers in the state, with an estimated 2,000 to 4,000 diggers. |
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