The Northeast Region Office of the Pennsylvania Game Commission announced an Ulster woman and man were arrested and charged with multiple violations in connection with a large black bear that was killed unlawfully in Smithfield Township, Bradford County.

Bradford County Wildlife Conservation Officers responded April 12 to an incident where they discovered a dead bear, weighing about 500 pounds, dumped over an embankment along Evergreen Road near Hall Road in Smithfield Township. The bear died from a gunshot wound.

An ensuing investigation led to the arrest of Desiree Caroline Bailey, 30, and George Albert Raymond Jr., 33, of Ulster. Each was charged with violations of the Game and Wildlife Code and criminal violations.

Wildlife Conservation Officers executed a search warrant for Raymond's vehicle at his place of employment in Wysox, where he was arrested and taken into custody. An additional search warrant was executed later at Raymond's home, where Bailey was arrested and taken into custody.

Bailey and Raymond were interviewed at the Towanda Pennsylvania State Police barracks, where they provided written statements. Bailey said she shot the bear and it was removed from the premises by Raymond.

Each was charged under the Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code with a first degree misdemeanor for the unlawful killing or taking of big game and with summary violations. Bailey and Raymond also were charged with a second degree misdemeanor of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. Each faces fines of more than $15,000 and an additional $5,000 in restitution if convicted on all charges.

Bailey and Raymond were arraigned before District Judge Jonathan Wilcox of Troy earlier today and bail was set at $50,000 each. Neither posted bail and they were remanded to the Bradford County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing is scheduled April 22 before Judge Wilcox.