>Michael A. Sawyers
The Cumberland Times-News Fri Mar 18, 2011, 08:00 AM EDT
— CUMBERLAND — Allegany County District Court Judge Jack Price on Thursday chose not to prosecute a Hagerstown man for hunting bears over bait after his attorney argued successfully that Maryland Natural Resources Police had no right to go onto the private property.
Doy C. Sneckenberger, 47, Murdock Avenue, had been charged by Officer Glenn Broadwater on Oct. 25, the opening day of the Maryland bear season. Sneckenberger was confronted by authorities on family property along Mud Lick Road in the Little Orleans area.
Sneckenberger was defended by Cumberland attorney Michael Noonan.
Broadwater had begun to explain that he entered the property based upon information provided by another officer that a violation may be taking place, when Noonan objected numerous times to his testimony and to statements by Assistant State’s Attorney Eric Bean.
Noonan said information supplied by another officer would be hearsay. He also accused Bean of coaching Broadwater’s testimony.
Noonan said the officer had not heard any shots on the property that would encourage him to investigate.
“This man has a gun,” Noonan said, pointing to Broadwater. “I have open land and I wouldn’t want him walking onto it without a warrant. He did not have sufficient cause to go onto that property.”
On Monday, Donald C. Sneckenberger, 75, Sharpsburg Pike, Hagerstown, pleaded guilty to a similar charge and paid a penalty of $500, according to online court records.
Donald Sneckenberger had been charged by Cpl. James Clise on the same day that Broadwater charged Doy Sneckenberger.
Other cases
Also on opening day of bear season, Earnold L. Crigger, 52, Middle River, was charged with using bait and not keeping in visual contact with the hunting partner in the Swanton area. Crigger on Feb. 7 paid a penalty of $500.
Another case will be heard in Garrett County District Court on May 19 when Jerome S. Ziemski, 55, Baltimore, is scheduled to appear on similar charges.
Contact Michael A. Sawyers at msawyers@times-news.com
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