Two Newton Teenagers Arrested for Shooting Pelicans at Newton Lake

Two Newton teenagers have been charged in connection with the illegal shooting of white pelicans at Newton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area earlier this month.

Charges were filed Saturday with the Jasper County State's Attorney's Office following an investigation conducted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Because juveniles are involved in the case, the names of the subjects are not being released at this time.

The two male subjects are charged with unlawful take of migratory waterfowl with a rifle, unlawful discharge of a firearm from a public roadway, unlawful firing of a rifle over or into waters of the State, and unlawfully disturbing or harassing wild birds by the use or aid of a motor vehicle.

Authorities said the arrests were made thanks to information provided by the public. 

Five pelicans were found dead at Newton Lake on April 3 by IDNR site staff. Another pelican found shot and wounded was taken to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine for treatment.