There was no plea bargain offered to Sam Carter for shooting Boulder’s beloved bull elk, “Big Boy”. Boulder County District Attorney Stan Garnett was intent on taking this tragedy to trial and convicting a poacher. After a six day trial, a jury of Carter’s peers quickly reached a verdict. Tuesday, June 3, 2014, Carter was found guilty of coveting Big Boy to death.
On January 1, 2013 New Years Day, Carter shot to death the cherished neighborhood bull elk grazing under a crabapple tree. Carter’s reason for killing the animal out of season with no hunting license – an overwhelming desire for taxidermy and a trophy rack.
Mr. Carter was found guilty on the following counts.
18-8-306 Attempt to influence public servant, Class 4 Felony
18-5-102(1)(d) Forgery, Class 5 Felony
18-8-601(1)(a) Tampering with Physical evidence, Class 6 Felony
18-8-601(1)(a) Tampering with Physical evidence, Class 6 Felony
18-8-404 Official Misconduct, Class 2 Misdemeanor
33-6-109(1). (3.4) Wildlife-Illegal possession-aggravated, Misdemeanor
33-6-109(1) Illegal possession of wildlife, Misdemeanor
33-6-120(1)(b) Hunting out of season-big game, Misdemeanor
33-6-124(3) Wildlife-Communicating with electronics, Misdemeanor
Sentencing is set for August 29, 2014 10:30am at the Boulder Combined Court. A pre sentencing investigation or PSI will make recommendations for punishment. Placing any law enforcement officer in a community correction facility or prison requires consideration.
All pre sentencing investigation report includes the following:
• an evaluation of alternative dispositions available to the defendant;
• an assessment of restitution owed by the defendant;
• an actuarial assessment of the defendant’s criminological risks and needs;
• a description of the projected costs, if known, of each sentencing option available to the court;
• sufficient information to determine whether the defendant is a suitable candidate for a sentencing option that does not include incarceration;
• the appropriate conditions to impose if a defendant is sentenced to probation;
• a victim impact statement;
• the amount of time the defendant was imprisoned while awaiting trial; and
• any other information the court may require
Sam Carter will likely receive probation over prison time, pay hefty fines to the state and possibly lose his driver’s license.
