Susan Kehoe, an animal rights activist from Vernon, in a May file photo.
SUSSEX COUNTY — A longtime opponent of New Jersey's annual bear hunt is unfit to own firearms and should undergo a mental health evaluation because of her numerous run-ins involving her anti-hunt activities, according to the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office.
Susan Kehoe has been charged seven times with harassment, twice with violating state Fish & Game regulations, once with disorderly conduct, and was convicted of resisting arrest and interfering with state conservation officers, the prosecutor’s office says.
"In addition to the formal charges, Ms. Kehoe has been involved in numerous incidents where her behavior is questionable and has caused concern by both residents and law enforcement," according to an 11-page brief filed in defense of a decision by Vernon Police Chief Roy Wherry to deny Kehoe her bid to obtain a firearms purchaser identification card.
"... the state consents to, and highly recommends, that Ms. Kehoe obtain an evaluation to address her fitness to possess a firearm. The above information raises serious concerns about her ability to properly and safely handle a firearm," according to the brief, filed in Superior Court in Newton by Assistant Prosecutor Laura Nazzaro.
Kehoe’s attorney, Dan Perez, said there is no reason why his 62-year-old client should undergo a mental health evaluation. He noted that all of the complaints against her, except one, have been dismissed or dropped.
"Just as Susan Kehoe has her fans, she has her detractors, too," he said, claiming his client is being unfairly targeted by Wherry and other law enforcement officials because of her animal-rights activism.
Kehoe is appealing Wherry’s June 5 decision to deny her a firearms ID card after personally meeting with her, citing "public health, safety and welfare," concerns.
Her appeal is scheduled to be heard Dec.19 by Judge N. Peter Conforti.
Perez said Kehoe wants the card so she can transport some of her late husband’s collection of rifles and shotguns, which she plans to sell.
"If Susan Kehoe is driving along with a shotgun in the back seat of her car, it could be a problem for her. I think it’s best to err on the side of caution," he said.
"This is a 2nd Amendment case," added Perez.
Although a firearms ID card is not needed to sell rifles and shotguns, a card is needed to transport the firearms, said State Police spokesman Lt. Stephen Jones.
In general, people who inherit weapons and are unfamiliar with their use and value but want to sell them should contact a licensed gun dealer, who could arrange their transport and sale, he said.
"It’s a safety issue," said Jones, adding the most common reason why people are denied ID permits is because of previous criminal convictions.
Jones said he did not know if Kehoe’s 2010 conviction for resisting arrest and hindering or preventing the lawful taking of wildlife would preclude her from getting a firearms ID card, which allows for the purchase of rifles and shotguns.
Kehoe was convicted after she intentionally tried to prevent a state wildlife workers from shooting a bear with a tranquilizer dart by positioning herself in the vicinity of the bear and causing a commotion at the scene, according to trial testimony.
She was sentenced to one year probation and fined $1,250.
Kehoe was found not guilty on Sept. 11 of intentionally feeding black bears at her Highland Lakes home.
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