Tree Theft Prosecuted

17-Jun-2004
STATE OF UTAH
SCHOOL & INSTITUTIONAL TRUST LANDS ADMINISTRATION
675 EAST 500 SOUTH, SUITE 500
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84102

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 7, 2004

TREE THEFT PROSECUTED

Val Rappleye reached a plea agreement with Juab County for the theft and damage of trees owned by School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration. Rappleye pleaded guilty in abeyance to charges of criminal mischief, a second degree felony; theft, a second degree felony; and trespassing on trust lands, a class B misdemeanor.

Trees were illegally logged from trust lands in Juab County some time during the years 1999-2002. They were logged by "high-grading" - a forestry practice where just the largest trees are taken. The environmental damage was estimated at $23,000, and the value of the trees taken was more than $12,000, for a total loss to the trust of at least $35,000.


CONTACT:
Dave Hebertson 801-538-5102 or
NormaLee McMichael 801-538-5105