Michigan Man Gets Caught Stealing From the DNR

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources receives funds in several ways. One Michigan man who thought he would steal some of those funds has been caught.

How Does the DNR Make Money?

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is funded in several ways, but not all are from state revenue, grants, or federal funding.

👇BELOW: DNR Report: 10 Michigan Hunters Shot Themselves or Others👇

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources' main source of revenue is the sale of hunting and fishing licenses.  Snowmobile trail permits, ORV permits, state park stickers, and some campground fees.

Some Michigan State Parks and campgrounds do not have staff but offer drop boxes for consumers to pay a daily, weekly, or weekend fee. At one of my fishing spots I pay a $5 fee to launch my boat so I have seen the boxes.

Read More: Is Michigan Getting a New State Flower?

Michigan Man Arrested for Stealing From the DNR

According to the Department of Natural Resources press release, 36-year-old Justin Spitzley has been arrested for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from the DNR.

Spitzley was arrested and charged with felony larceny, 11 counts of breaking and entering a coin-operated device and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license.

The DNR noticed that some of the state campgrounds in Luce County's annual fees from the last two years were coming up short. The DNR partnered with the Michigan State Police to set up surveillance to apprehend the suspect who allegedly broke into the campground pay pipes and stole the money.

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When officers caught up with Spitzley they found him with a large amount of stolen cash, a burglary tool along with other evidence of the crimes which he later confessed to committing. He will see the judge on St. Patrick's Day but he is being held on a $10,000 bond until his court date.