One of two boys charged with chasing a herd of musk ox with four wheelers before killing several of the animals has reached a deal with state prosecutors.
The names of both of the boys connected to the incident are not being released due to their age.
A 12-year-old boy involved in the incident, which took place in September 2012 when he was just 10 years old, pleaded guilty to one charge for his role in the killing of seven musk ox near Brevig Mission. Investigation by the Alaska State Troopers revealed the two boys shot at the herd of musk ox with rifles over several days, in addition to chasing them with their four-wheelers.
In January the two boys were charged with 11 counts of wanton waste of big game.
In the plea deal reached Friday, the younger boy agreed to forfeit all equipment used in the killing of the animals, including all guns and four wheelers. In addition, he’ll have to pay $3,000 in restitution—just a fraction of the $21,000 originally calculated—and he will remain on probation for one year.
In an emailed statement, Nome Assistant District Attorney Tom Jamgochian stated that many of the financial penalties and other punishment the boy faced were ultimately reduced due to his age.
The case for the other boy involved with the musk ox killings remains open.
