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315 trees vanished from an Ohio forest; 3 men just admitted to cutting them down

Man with Chainsaw cutting tree trunk Stock photo of a chainsaw. (simonkr/Getty Images/iStockphoto)

PICKAWAY COUNTY, OH — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says a timber theft case is now resolved.

Three members of the same family were accused of cutting down 315 trees on state-owned land.

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ODNR said in a news release the Pickaway County Common Pleas Court recently ruled in their favor.

A court found John Knauff, Joseph Knauff, and Jonathan Knauff liable for trespassing, conversion, and unjust enrichment as a result of their unlawful taking, according to ODNR.

“Ohio’s trees are meant to be enjoyed and managed for the wise use of their resources; anyone who illegally crosses that line will be sought after and held accountable,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz.

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ODNR says the family members admitted selling the timber for profit.

The court awarded ODNR $85,805.98 in damages. A portion will help pay to restore the forest.

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