Wildlife Trafficking Case Results in $20K Fine for Former Whitehall Resident & Business Owner

John Lewton, a Montana resident and former Whitehall resident and business owner, was sentenced on October 20 in federal court in Billings after pleading guilty to violating the federal Lacey Act involving the trafficking of wildlife.

Lewton was fined $20,000 and sentenced to one year of probation. As part of his probation, the court prohibited him from engaging in commercial hunting, fishing, trapping, or outfitting activities for one year. He is also prohibited from accompanying others in the field who are engaged in commercial hunting, fishing, trapping, or outfitting.

In October 2019, Lewt...