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Last updated on Monday, September 8, 2014
(UNDATED) - Indiana Conservation Officers have released the names of some of those who were among 25 southern Indiana residents arrested following multiple investigations into illegal ginseng harvesting.
During the past month, conservation officers targeted ginseng violations in Operational District Eight, and arrested or cited individuals in Clark, Harrison, Martin, Orange, Scott, and Washington Counties.
Acting on tips, conservation officers executed multiple search warrants and seized several pounds of illegal ginseng. Additionally, several illegal drugs were seized and a stolen handgun was recovered.
Indiana Conservation Officers utilized their K-9 units to track suspects and locate evidence, in addition to conducting surveillance throughout these investigations. Several leads were developed and investigations are continuing.
Facing charges in Lawrence County:
David Pittman, 56, Paoli, theft. In addition, Pittman is charged with theft and possession of ginseng during closed season in Orange County.
Facing charges in Orange County:
Facing charges in Martin County:
Starla Enlow, 32, Shoals, possession of ginseng during closed season.
Facing charges in Washington County:
Facing charges in Harrison County:
Wild ginseng is a plant sought for its root, valued anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per pound, which then is sold to licensed dealers, who often export it to other countries. Legal ginseng harvest season runs from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, and harvest restrictions also apply.
Citizens are urged to report natural resource violations by calling Indiana Conservation Officers' Central Dispatch at 812-837-9536, or the anonymous tip line at 1-800-TIPIDNR.
Visit https://secure.in.gov/dnr/naturepreserve/8235.htm for more information on ginseng regulations.
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