Koski Motion Denied

The motion to reopen the case of the man at the center of the wolf hunt controversy has been denied. The Ontonagon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says Judge Wisti denied the motion to withdraw 68-year-old John Koski’s plea and vacate his sentence at a hearing last week in Ontonagon County District Court. Koski filed the motion two weeks after his sentencing last month, at which he was ordered to pay over $1,800 in fines and costs. He was given 60 days to pay the amount in full, or else face a charge of contempt of court. Denial of the motion means Koski will revert to his original sentence. Koski was initially charged with animal cruelty, but the charge was amended to failure to provide an animal with adequate care. The charge stems from the mistreatment of three donkeys that were given to Koski by the state to protect his farm from wolves.