The Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to help locate a Spencer man accused of stealing a car and harvesting ginseng illegally.
Conservation officers also say Larry W. Tussey, Jr., 48, had three live, wild raccoons.
In a statement, the DNR said a conservation officer obtained a warrant and searched Tussey’s residence July 1 and found a stolen car on the property.
“Officers also observed what appeared to be numerous recently harvested ginseng roots through the vehicle’s window. Officers seized the (stolen) vehicle, ginseng roots, and three live raccoons. The raccoons were taken to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator,” it said.
The DNR is asking the public to contact conservation officers at 812-837-9536 if they have information about Tussey’s whereabouts.
In Indiana, it’s a Class A misdemeanor to harvest wild ginseng out of season. The season starts in September and runs through the end of the year.
Ginseng has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, including immune support. Raw ginseng is sold for hundreds of dollars a pound.
