Palmer resident and ex-state official pleads to wildlife violations

PALMER — A Valley resident and former head of the state’s Division of Wildlife Conservation received a fine and a suspended jail sentence for an illegal 2008 bear hunt.

According to an Alaska State Troopers press release, Corey Rossi pleaded guilty to one count of falsifying a bear-sealing certification and one of unlawful acts of a big game guide. The illegal hunt took place in 2008, before Rossi, a Palmer resident, went to work for the state under the administration of Gov. Sarah Palin.

The plea agreement calls for a $5,000 fine and a one-year suspension of his guiding license. If Rossi does poorly during his three-year informal probation he could be liable for another $5,000 fine, an additional two-year suspension of his license and up to 60 days in jail,

“There is no evidence that Rossi was acting as a guide during the hunt the violations stem from; however, as a licensed big game guide, by Alaska law, Rossi is subjected to a higher standard,” according to the AST release. “As such, he is subjected to criminal prosecution as a big game guide for committing, aiding or allowing any violation of a state or federal Fish and Game statute or regulation.”

Media reports indicate Rossi helped two Outside hunters kill three black bears in the Susitna Valley, then shot one for himself, but claimed on official forms to have shot all four.