TUCUMCARI, N.M. (AP) — An Oklahoma City lawyer has pleaded no contest in connection with the shooting death of a cougar that led to the resignation of New Mexico's Game Commission chair.

The Albuquerque Journal reports Jason Roselius pleaded no contest in a New Mexico court Wednesday to unlawful hunting and was ordered to pay $500 in restitution to the Department of Game and Fish.

Authorities say Roselius previously had told a Game and Fish law enforcement officer that he paid $9,000 for the cougar hunt, including a $3,500 tip for the guides.

Charges of unlawful hunting are still pending against former Game Commission Chairman Scott Bidegain and three other men, who all have pleaded not guilty.

Bidegain, an appointee of Gov. Susana Martinez, resigned as commission chairman the weekend before the charges were filed in February.