By AP News, 3-16-10
BILLINGS – A top aide to Rep. Denny Rehberg pleaded not guilty Monday to poaching charges in Madison County — allegations the aide says appear to be motivated by a political campaign against his boss.
Randy Vogel was appointed state director for the Republican congressman on March 1. The next day, he was cited for illegally killing a young bull elk on a private ranch in November and obstructing a subsequent investigation.
Vogel says he pleaded not guilty and asked for a jury trial during a brief hearing in Madison County Justice Court in Virginia City. The 57-year-old is charged with harvesting a spike bull elk during closed season, abandoning the carcass in the field, killing more than one elk without authorization and obstruction of a peace officer.
[End of article]
