Judge revives trespassing case against state wildlife chief

A judge has ordered a special prosecutor to revive a hunting-related trespassing charge against the head of Colorado’s wildlife agency a year after the case was dismissed.

The Steamboat Today newspaper in Steamboat Springs reports Routt County District Judge Michael O’Hara ruled in February state law didn’t support prosecutors’ decision to dismiss the charge against Department of Natural Resources director Mike King.

Prosecutors had said they weren’t sure if they had to prove King knew he was trespassing. King said he had permission to hunt on one parcel and didn’t know he crossed onto another.

King didn’t immediately respond to a call seeking comment.

Routt County District Attorney Brett Barkey he would appeal O’Hara’s order. He said prosecutors have discretion in such cases.

King was cited in September 2013.