15 indicted in eagle trafficking case; more charges expected
Source: Associated Press
James Nord, Associated Press Updated 7:41 pm, Monday, April 24, 2017
RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Federal officials in South Dakota said Monday that 15 people have been indicted for illegally trafficking eagles and other migratory birds after a two-year undercover operation potentially involving hundreds of birds.
U.S. Attorney Randy Seiler said that officials expect "significant" additional federal charges in the case, which focused on trafficking of eagles and eagle parts and feathers for profit. Authorities said the case involves more than 100 eagles, a number that could climb as high as 250.
Seiler described one operation as basically a "chop-shop for eagles" in which eagle feathers were stuffed into garbage bags. He said it was clear that it was a moneymaking operation and that the feathers and eagle parts such as talons and beaks were treated as merchandise.
"There was no cultural sensitivity. There was no spirituality," Seiler said. "There was no tradition in the manner in which these defendants handled these birds."
Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Federal-officials-charge-15-with-eagle-trafficking-11095515.php
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