KNOX, Ind. – Indiana conversation officers said a Chicago man sold raccoons, deer and various other wildlife to markets and restaurants in Chicago’s Chinatown district for use in meals. 47-year-old Alexander Moy was arrested Monday in northwestern Indiana about 80 miles from Chicago and charged with illegally selling wildlife.
Lt. Tom Torsell of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources said Moy’s arrest is the culmination of a two-year investigation during which he bought wildlife, including turtles and fish, from undercover officers, although it was not clear whether those animals were ever served to people.
The investigation was initiated after conversation officers received complaints of Moy purchasing whitetail deer from members of the public. Officials said that over the course of several months, they documented numerous wildlife sales, most of which involved venison and turtles.
After a search of Moy’s Starke County property, known as Kankakee Valley Fish Farm, conservation officers seized an array of equipment and animal species.
The charge of illegally selling wildlife carries penalties of up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.