FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2006
(Columbia, SC) A Gray Court logger and sawmill operator is facing charges for an illegal timber transaction. Forestry Commission agents arrested Walter D. Cook, 48, for violation of two state timber laws.
Agents said Cook, operator of C & B Custom Sawmill, entered into an agreement to cut some trees from a Ware Shoals tract. According to the property owner’s sworn statement, Cook was to cut the trees and pay her based on mill receipts.
During the operation Cook allegedly cut trees that were not designated, continuing to work in spite of the landowner’s demand that he stop. Agents say he also failed to provide mill tickets to the landowner as required by state law.
If convicted on all charges, Cook could be facing fines of up to $1500.
Agents say timber theft and timber fraud cost South Carolina landowners millions of dollars each year. Timber transaction crime should be reported to Forestry Commission law enforcement, 803-896-8820.
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Subject Identification:
Walter D. Cook, DOB June 8, 1958
Legal Reference:
SC Code 16-11-580, Cutting timber without permission
SC Code 48-23-97, Load ticket violation