Jeffery Jessop, Unlawful Taking Of Bald And Golden Eagles And Migratory Birds, South Dakota 2013

A Presho man is facing serious charges for allegedly poaching bald and golden eagles and migratory birds, Grimy Times has learned.

Jeffery Jessop, 50, was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 16, 2013, for Unlawful Taking of Bald and Golden Eagles and Migratory Birds and Lacey Act Violations.

The indictment alleges that Jessop committed the crimes in Presho, South Dakota, and possibly elsewhere. According to sources close to the investigation, Jessop was taken into custody and appeared before US Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 29, 2013. He entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

The maximum penalty for conviction is 2 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both; 1 year of supervised release and 1 additional year of supervised release upon revocation. Restitution and a $100 special assessment may also be ordered.

The investigation is being conducted by the Fish and Wildlife Service, with Assistant United States Attorney Meghan N. Dilges leading the prosecution. Jessop was released on bond pending trial, but a trial date has not yet been set.

Jessop’s indictment is a reminder of the ongoing threat to bald and golden eagles, as well as other migratory birds. The Lacey Act, which Jessop is accused of violating, is a federal law that prohibits the unlawful taking, possession, sale, purchase, barter, transportation, and exportation of fish and wildlife.

The case is a significant one, and Grimy Times will continue to follow it closely. In the meantime, we urge our readers to report any information they may have regarding wildlife crimes to the authorities.

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