Spook Spann and Wife Arrested for Evidence Tampering Amidst Wildlife Violation Allegations

William “Spook” Spann, a well-known celebrity hunter and former TV show host, and his wife, Marty Spann, were arrested on Friday in connection with allegations of evidence tampering. The 24th Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced the arrests, which stem from an investigation into alleged state and federal wildlife hunting violations. The raid on the Spanns’ home, situated on the Dickson-Williamson county line with a Fairview address, involved multiple agencies including the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), the Dickson County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Arrest and Charges

The couple’s arrest centers around accusations of destroying or tampering with cellphone evidence. This evidence is reportedly linked to allegations of illegal hunting practices, specifically involving “baited” turkey hunts. Details surrounding the extent of the alleged tampering and the specific content of the cellphones remain limited as the investigation is ongoing.

Spook Spann was indicted on six criminal counts on Thursday, preceding the raid and arrests. The nature of these counts has not been explicitly released, but are presumed to be connected to the alleged wildlife violations. The arrest of Marty Spann suggests her involvement in the alleged evidence tampering, though the specifics of her role are currently unclear.

Raid on Spann Residence

The raid on the Spanns’ residence yielded more than just the evidence leading to the tampering charges. Authorities also discovered a small amount of marijuana and a pipe in a bedroom inside the home. Consequently, a warrant has been issued for Spann’s 20-year-old daughter in connection with possession of the marijuana. This development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings.

This isn’t the first time Spook Spann has encountered legal troubles. In 2013, he violated probation stemming from a 2007 federal case. The original case involved Spann pleading guilty to illegally hunting and killing a deer in Kansas.

2007 Lacey Act Violation

In the 2007 case, Spann admitted to violating the Lacey Act, a federal law that prohibits the illegal trafficking of wildlife. He claimed he was unaware that his Kansas hunting license restricted him to hunting only on his personal farm. Spann pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge for killing a deer without the proper permit and then transporting the antlers out of the state. This prior offense significantly impacted his legal standing and likely played a role in the severity of the consequences he faced for violating his subsequent probation.

Implications and Future Proceedings

The arrest of William “Spook” Spann and Marty Spann, coupled with the indictment and the warrant for their daughter, represents a significant development in this ongoing case. The involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies underscores the seriousness of the allegations.

The accusations of evidence tampering present a particularly grave matter, as it directly impacts the integrity of the investigation into the alleged wildlife violations. If proven guilty, the Spanns could face substantial penalties, potentially including jail time and significant fines.

The previous legal issues of Spook Spann will likely be taken into consideration during sentencing if he is found guilty on the current charges. His history of violating wildlife laws and the subsequent probation violation will undoubtedly weigh heavily on the court’s decision.

The charges against Spann’s daughter for marijuana possession will be handled separately through the judicial system.

The 24th Judicial District Attorney’s Office is expected to release further details as the investigation progresses. The public and media are closely watching for updates on the arraignment dates, court proceedings, and any additional evidence that may come to light. The outcome of this case will not only impact the lives of the Spann family but will also send a message regarding the enforcement of wildlife laws and the consequences of obstructing justice.

Ongoing Coverage

As this story develops, news outlets will continue to provide updates on the following aspects:

  • Arraignment Dates: The dates when the Spanns will appear in court to formally hear the charges against them.
  • Evidence Presented: Details regarding the evidence the prosecution intends to use to prove their case, including the specific nature of the alleged evidence tampering.
  • Defense Arguments: The legal strategies employed by the Spanns’ attorneys to defend them against the charges.
  • Court Decisions: Rulings made by the judge throughout the legal process, including pre-trial motions and ultimately, the verdict in the case.

This is a developing story, and further information will be provided as it becomes available. The legal proceedings are expected to be complex, and the outcome will have significant implications for all parties involved.