Hermes waives preliminary hearing

WAUPACA, Wis. (AP) - The third of three men accused of running down and killing deer with snowmobiles has waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Waupaca County Circuit Judge Philip Kirk on Monday did not immediately set a date for 23-year-old Nicholas Hermes of Weyauwega to enter pleas to five felony counts of mistreatment of animals resulting in death.

Brothers Rory and Robby Kuenzi, also of Weyauwega, are also charged in the incident. A court official says Robby Kuenzi is to enter pleas to the charges Tuesday. His brother has pleaded not guilty.

Four deer were found dead Jan. 10 near a snowmobile trail about five miles south of Waupaca. A fifth deer was severely injured and euthanized. Game wardens have described the incident as unprecedented thrill killings with snowmobiles.