Hermes sentenced in deer thrill kill case

WAUPACA COUNTY - Another Waupaca County man has been sentenced for his role in a deer thrill kill case.

Nicholas Hermes was convicted of three felonies and three misdemeanors as part of a plea deal.

Tuesday, a judge ordered Hermes to two and a half years probation for the felonies. And for the misdemeanors, Hermes will have to serve six months in the county jail and pay $3,000 in fines.

The charges are in connection with a 2009 incident when Hermes and two others ran down deer and killed them with their snowmobiles.

Before the sentencing, Hermes' attorney Keith Steckbauer highlighted his client’s reformed attitude, but others had harsher words. We have multiple views on the sentencing.

"He is responsible for this and by terms of showing responsibility he's pled to this. He's accepted criminal and moral responsibility for this,” said Steckbauer.

"I will further direct that you write a letter, approved by your agent, addressed to the high school classes in Waupaca County which outlines the stupidity of your conduct on this occasion,” said Hon. Ray Huber, Waupaca County judge.

"The felony conviction of Nicholas Hermes today is a victory for animal welfare in Wisconsin and across the nation,” said Kris Henrikson, Alliance for Animals.

Two other men are also charged in the case, brothers Robby and Rory Kuenzi. Robby has an April trial date, while Rory is serving an 11 year prison sentence.