(Courtesy Mike Kampnich)
Wrangell’s Vice Mayor David Powell was fined last month after pleading guilty to negligently possessing and transporting an illegally harvested bull elk. His brother, Aaron Powell, was also fined.
The hunt took place on Zarembo Island in October of 2024. They did not have a permit. State Trooper Alisha Seward wrote the hunters’ citations. The state seized about 28 pounds of elk meat from David Powell and about 76 pounds of elk meat and antlers from Aaron Powell. The state also seized Aaron’s cellphone and GPS.
On Nov. 18, Magistrate Judge Rachel Newport fined Aaron Powell $7000, suspending $3000 of the total. The court revoked his hunting license for two years and placed him on probation for three years.
The next week, Magistrate Judge Pamela Stahla-Kernin fined Vice Mayor David Powell $7000, with half of that suspended. The court suspended his hunting license for one year. He was placed on probation for the next four years. He told KSTK he had no comment.
Court documents state Robert Luce, with Malek + Malek Attorneys, as the filing attorney – who also represents the City and Borough of Wrangell. His colleague at the firm, Kimberly Smith, completed the case.
Both sentences also required each man to pay a $100 police training surcharge fee. Additionally, they can not assist other hunters in the field while their licenses are suspended.
A case against a third man on the hunt is still in progress. The trial for Wrangell resident Steven Gile was vacated, but he has a status hearing on Dec. 10. at 1:30 p.m. in the Sitka Courthouse. Judge Pamela Stahla-Kernin will review the case’s progression.
[Correction: This story has been updated to clarify that the City and Borough of Wrangell was not involved with attorney fees for Vice Mayor Powell. Additionally, the update informs that Robert Luce’s law firm partner, Kimberly Smith, sat in for Luce to complete the case.]
