The man suspected of poaching Samson, the trophy-sized elk at the Estes Park Center of the YMCA of the Rockies, has been tentatively linked to three other incidents that indicate he was aiming for profit rather than meat.

Wendel Schaefer, a Division of Wildlife investigator, told Larimer County District Court Judge John-David Sullivan last week that Randal Francis is also a suspect in three recent elk-poaching cases in which he tried to sell his big game trophies at a Denver taxidermy shop.

Schaefer said in one case Francis sold the small rack to the taxidermist for $300.

Schaeferís testimony occurred during a preliminary hearing Thursday to determine whether Francis should stand trial in the Nov. 11 crossbow killing of Samson, a 7-by-9-point trophy elk that was known for his fearlessness of human contact.

Francis, 35, of Lakewood, has been charged with two felonies and two misdemeanors arising from the poaching. Each of the felonies, which include willful destruction of big game and possession of a weapon by a prior offender, carry a potential four-year prison sentence and a $100,000 fine.

Thursdayís hearing was not concluded, and Judge Sullivan continued the court appearance to 11 a.m. on Jan. 19.

During examination by Deputy District Attorney Dan Quinn, district DOW wildlife manager Rick Spowart said he was confident that Francis was not a traditional hunter.

Francis was arrested Nov. 17 after he contacted law enforcement authorities to recover his truck that was impounded at the scene of Samsonís killing.

Spowart testified that Francis said he had shot at the elk by mistake but was not sure whether he hit the animal.

However, Schaefer cited incidents in early September, when Francis allegedly took elk antlers to a Denver taxidermist. A DOW investigation contends that the elk was killed illegally.

Later in September, Francis allegedly killed a cow elk near Tiny Town and then purportedly asked a friend to help remove usable parts.

The DOW investigation also contends that in early November the suspect brought the cape, skull and trophy antlers of an elk to a taxidermy shop. At the same time, investigators found a whole elk carcass in mountains near Denver.

Quinn said he is not at liberty to say whether the supporting evidence can be used to tighten the case against Francis.

He said prosecution of the three alleged offenses other than Samsonís killing is not his responsibility because the incidents occurred outside the jurisdiction of the Larimer County District Attorneyís Office.

Francisí attorney, public defender Andrew Saliman, suggested his client isnít guilty of the felony charges because he didnít willingly abandon the animal.

Saliman attempted to show that Francis looked for Samson but was unable to find him.

At the point of interruption of Thursdayís hearing, investigator Schaefer was on the stand undergoing questioning by Quinn.

Quinn declined to indicate other witnesses he hopes to call during the preliminary hearing, but the testimony is expected to conclude on Jan. 19.

After the prosecution and defense end their arguments, Sullivan will decide whether Francis must stand trial.