"Gar Guy” Sentenced for Transporting Alligator Killed in Violation of State and Federal Law

Beaumont, Texas – A 49-year-old hunting and fishing guide in Texas has been sentenced for transporting an alligator that he knew had been shot in violation of state and federal wildlife laws. Steve Barclay also known as “Gar Guy,” pleaded guilty on Aug. 13, 2013, to the felony offense of transporting wildlife taken in violation of federal law and was sentenced to three years’ probation and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. Alligators are listed as a threatened species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act. The Lacy Act prohibits the transport, receipt, or acquisition of any wildlife taken, possessed, or transported in violation of any law, treaty, or regulation of the United States. This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, Houston, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Criminal Investigations Division.