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Milan
timber buyer arrested
Wanda
English Burnett
Editor
Scott
Powers, 37 of Milan, was arrested on a warrant on Tuesday, July
27 and charged with Corrupt Business Influence by Ripley County
Prosecutor Ric Hertel.
According to information from ICO Public Information Officer Gary
Catron, an investigation ensued after several complaints were
made about Powers and his business practices. Indiana Conservation
Officer Steve Miller began the investigation.
Powers, who was operating as Powers Logging, is alleged to have
committed multiple thefts while he was buying timber.
Officers say that some of the victims lost timber valued in the
thousands of dollars as the result of Powers illegal business
practices. Powers is alleged to have removed and sold timber from
landowners and then kept the proceeds.
Prosecutor Ric Hertel has worked closely with conservation officers
in the case and says anyone with information or questions about
Powers or his company should contact the prosecutors office
at 689-6331.
The charges of Corrupt Business Influence is a Class C Felony.
Powers was incarcerated at the Ripley County Jail as of press
time awaiting his initial hearing.
Conservation officers give the following tips for people considering
selling their standing timber:
Landowners are encouraged to utilize a consultant forester
to aid in proper selection and marketing of their timber.
Once timber volume is properly estimated, interested licensed
timber buyers should be contacted. This can be done by advertising
the sale through the media or making direct contact.
A sealed bid sale is the preferred method for a landowner
to use in selling timber. Owners should specify that they maintain
the right to accept or deny the bids they receive.
A contract is a must once a bid is accepted. In addition
all the basics of the contract should include any special clauses
to address landowners concerns.
It is standard procedure for the landowner to be paid in
full at the time the contract is signed when timber is marketed
in this manner.
For information about selling timber and licensed timber buyers
you can visit: www.dnr.IN.gov/forestry.
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