Trooper under investigation

SANDPOINT — An Idaho State Police trooper is being investigated for allegedly poaching a moose before the hunting season opened.

Bonner County Prosecutor Louis Marshall said the investigation of Cpl. Jeff Jayne is being referred to the Latah County Prosecutor’s Office to avoid appearances of a conflict of interest. Jayne patrols highways in Bonner County and is often called as a state’s witness in criminal cases.

E-mail messages sent to Jayne and ISP Region 1 Commander Capt. Clark Collins were not immediately returned on Friday. A phone message was also left with Jayne.

Spokane, Wash., television station KXLY reported that the Idaho Department of Fish & Game was tipped off by a Bonner County taxidermist when a bull moose was dropped off for processing four days before the season opened.

The animal’s cape and head have taken as evidence by Idaho Fish & Game.

State police told the TV station that Jayne remains on duty pending a charging decision and internal investigation.