An investigation by Colorado Parks and Wildlife into the poaching of five mule deer on Fort Carson and another on state land led to the conviction of three active duty soldiers for their involvement, according to a news release Tuesday.

Army Sgt. Jacob Curtis Keyser and Army Staff Sgt. Juan Salcedo were convicted on numerous charges after a multiyear investigation began when a CPW officer found two partially processed deer on Fort Carson in November 2024, the news release from Parks and Wildlife stated.

The buck had select cuts of meat and its antlers removed while a doe found around 100 yards away was partially processed and abandoned, according to the release. The crime scenes were processed in fresh snow, which led to the identification of the vehicle.

Keyser and Salcedo, who is described as an accomplice, were identified by CPW by images on their social media, eventually leading the agency to obtain a warrant for Keyser’s vehicle, which had evidence of poaching and “proof of multiple instances” of trespassing on military and state lands.

Keyser was fined $19,005, issued 180 suspension points and had to forfeit his hunting rifle to CPW, which will be destroyed. Salcedo was fined $8,817 and issued 65 suspension points.

The third soldier, who was not named, received a fine of $900 for disposing of the meat “immediately prior” to Keyser’s interview with a CPW officer, according to the release.

All three may face a lifetime hunting and fishing suspension in all 50 states. A hearing with CPW will determine any further punishment in the coming months.

Information on poaching can be given to CPW anonymously at 1-877-265-6628 or game.thief@state.co.us.