Twisp family denies killing gray wolves
Twisp family members accused of illegally killing endangered wolves from the Methow Valley’s Lookout Pack and attempting to smuggle one of the pelts to Canada can continue to have guns and hunt while their case is pending, a judge ruled Wednesday.
SPOKANE - Twisp family members accused of illegally killing endangered wolves from the Methow Valley’s Lookout Pack and attempting to smuggle one of the pelts to Canada can continue to have guns and hunt while their case is pending, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Bill White and his son, Tom, were indicted June 7, charged with poaching at least two wolves from the state’s first confirmed wolf pack in nearly 70 years. Erin White, Tom White’s wife, is accused of attempting to smuggle one of the pelts to Canada.
All three pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court Wednesday.
Federal prosecutors did not ask the court to keep any of the Whites in jail until their trial, which was scheduled for Sept. 6, according to court documents.
But prosecutors did ask Judge Cynthia Imbrogno to prevent them from possessing firearms, and from hunting.
Inbrogno declined, and instead set standard conditions for their release, specifically noting that the Whites are allowed to have guns and to hunt, but may not take firearms across state lines. They also may not travel outside of the country without prior permission from the court.
