OWEN COUNTY- Indiana Conservation Officers are seeking the public’s assistance to locate a Spencer man who is sought on preliminary charges of theft and illegal harvest of ginseng.
Conservation officers were investigating a complaint that Larry W. Tussey, Jr., 48, of Spencer, was in possession of live, wild raccoons. Conservation Officer Caleb Hutchison obtained a warrant and searched Tussey’s residence on July 1, observing a silver 2011 Ford Fusion on the property that had recently been reported stolen.
Officers also observed what appeared to be numerous recently harvested ginseng roots through the vehicle’s window. Officers seized the stolen vehicle, ginseng roots, and three live raccoons. The raccoons were taken to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Indiana’s ginseng regulations can be reviewed at on.IN.gov/ginseng.
If you know the whereabouts of Larry W. Tussey, Jr., please contact Indiana Conservation Officer Dispatch at 812-837-9536.
Indiana Conservation Officers were assisted by the Owen County Sheriff’s Office.
