PETERSBURG – Two Petersburg teens last week pleaded not guilty to charges of harassment in connection to chasing and hitting multiple deer with a pickup truck in early February.
Jasmine Ohmer, 17, and Sebastian Davis, 17, appeared before Judge William Carey in the Petersburg District Court for an arraignment hearing last week. Ohmer pleaded not guilty to harassing game. Davis pleaded not guilty to harassing game, as well as reckless driving.
According to court documents, on Feb. 5, Davis allegedly used a pickup truck to chase and hit two deer alongside the road, while Ohmer filmed it from the passenger seat. Ohmer told a wildlife trooper they hit a third deer the following day, and she was driving. Ohmer said both collisions were accidents, and they were trying to scare the deer. Davis, too, said their intention was to scare the deer.
In a statement on Feb. 19, Ohmer apologized and sought forgiveness from the community.
An excerpt from the statement reads: “To start, I will accept the punishment of the Court as I deserve punishment for my actions. I will become more involved in the Community and will volunteer my time to helping organizations that are committed to helping people and animals in need. In spite of my recent wrongful behavior, this is who I really am.”
Both charges are misdemeanors. Harassing game carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail, a $25,000 fine and $400 in restitution for each deer. The maximum penalty for reckless driving is a $1,000 fine, one year in jail and revoked license for 30 days.
A calendar call proceeding is scheduled for May 15 at 3:30 p.m.
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