Maybe they could if they can find it! That's the outrageous part. The only evidence that this turtle ever existed at this location is the recollection of the person who reported it and the notation in his log. There is no turtle to test because nobody except Mr. Angus ever saw the turtle!
The DEP deputized these enviro-troopers and then gives them a tremendous amount of unchecked power. A notation in the log book, and suddenly part of your land is off limits. It is not the duty of the enviro-trooper to demonstrate that his findings are true. All he has to do is report them. And now the state is providing Mr. Angus' defense!
I'm going to email the reporter and ask if he knows what the claim is - will post his answer if he replies.
Another galling thing: We the taxpayers are paying for Angus's defense. (Thanks to decision by Gov. McGreevey's attorney general.) On what grounds, I wonder, was THAT decision made?