Mifflinburg man charged in state game lands camera theft case

A 46-year-old Mifflinburg man was charged after state game lands cameras were reported stolen, an incident that underscores growing tensions around enforcement and protection of public conservation infrastructure. Timothy D. Lohr, of State Route 104 in Mifflinburg, was charged with misdemeanor theft by unlawful taking, resisting or interfering with an officer, and control of property. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 20.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission reported investigators found evidence suggesting Lohr likely knew the camera locations and went to the state game lands specifically to remove the devices. Officials said one camera was damaged and parts were separated or concealed in a manner consistent with an effort to avoid apprehension and destroy evidence. Those findings formed the basis for the criminal charges.

Trail cameras on state game lands serve multiple local functions: they help wildlife managers monitor populations and disease, assist biologists and hunters in understanding movement patterns, and provide data for habitat management. When cameras are removed or damaged, data streams are interrupted and the cost of replacement falls on agency budgets already under pressure. For Union County residents who hunt, trap, or steward public lands, loss of monitoring capacity can mean reduced information about habitat conditions and fewer tools for responsible wildlife management.

This case also highlights enforcement challenges for agencies that manage sprawling public lands. Theft and tampering with conservation equipment are often investigated by the Game Commission in coordination with local law enforcement. The misdemeanor classification of the theft charge signals the level of criminal exposure in this instance; however, the inclusion of resisting or interfering with an officer and control of property charges indicates investigators believe there were additional actions taken to hinder the response.

Beyond the immediate criminal matter, incidents like this can influence local policy debates. Candidates and elected officials who oversee budgets for law enforcement, parks, and natural resources may face pressure to boost funding for patrols, equipment security, and community outreach. Voters in Union County who rely on state game lands for recreation and livelihood will want clarity on how agencies plan to protect public assets and use taxpayer dollars effectively.

Our two cents? If you use or value state game lands, report suspicious activity, document damage with photos and locations, and follow up with the Game Commission. Protecting trail cams and other monitoring tools helps keep wildlife data intact and keeps our public lands working for everyone.