Influencers Josh & Sarah Bowmar Plead Guilty in Nebraska Poaching Case
After a years-long stagnation, social media influencers and alleged poachers Josh and Sarah Bowmar have changed their plea to guilty and been given a sentencing date.
Josh and Sarah Bowmar, collectively known as Bowmar Hunting, LLC, were charged in 2020 with a laundry list of crimes.
These included hunting turkeys without a valid permit, illegally transporting game across state lines, and illegal baiting of wildlife, among others. The charges stemmed from the largest poaching sting operation in Nebraska state history.
The Bowmars withdrew their pleas of “not guilty” on Wednesday. The defendants plead “guilty” to Count 1 of the charges. This comes with a plea agreement to have Counts 2-5 dropped.
Sentencing will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Jan. 12, 2023.
Bowmar Hunting Influence Cast Long Shadow
The Bowmar poaching case captured the national spotlight because they have amassed such a large following in the hunting and fitness communities. On Instagram alone, Bowmar Bowhunting, Sarah Bowmar, and Josh Bowmar collectively have over 1.5 million followers. They also have a large following on YouTube.
The duo started several offshoot companies and products in the hunting and nutrition market. Bowmar Nutrition, the couple’s supplement company, has also been fraught with legal woes centered around the inflation of the nutritional value of its products. And several outlandish acts, including spearing a bear in Canada, have resulted in the loss of many outside sponsors.
Below, you can read the court documents for this most recent court appearance:
The following court entry was entered and located via PACER. We will update this story with any further information as it is available.
TEXT MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held on 10/19/2022 before Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson as to defendants Josh Bowmar, Sarah Bowmar, Bowmar Bowhunting, LLC.
Change of Plea Hearing held on 10/19/2022.
Change of Plea Hearings held.
Defendants previously consented to change of plea and sentencing before Magistrate Judge Nelson.
Defendants withdraw pleas of not guilty as to Count I of the Information.
Defendants plead guilty as to Count I of the Information.
Plea agreement will be accepted at or before sentencing as to each defendant.
The plea will be accepted at or before sentencing as to each defendant.
Presentence Investigation Packet provided to Defendants’ counsel.
Sentencing is scheduled for 1/12/2023 at 10:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Nelson.
Defendants remain released on conditions.
Hearing held by Internet/Telephonic Conferencing; Appearance for Plaintiff: Donald J. Kleine, USA; Appearance for Defendants: G. Kline Preston, IV, Retained; Courtroom Deputy: Sara Pankoke; Court Reporter: Digital Recorder; No interpreter used during hearing. Time Start: 10:59 AM; Time Stop: 11:44 AM; Time in Court: 45 Minutes. (SLP)
For background on the case, read “Bowhunting Couple Faces Charges in Nebraska’s Largest Poaching Case Ever.”
Bowhunting Couple Faces Charges in Nebraska’s Largest Poaching Case Ever
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