Long Island Man Indicted for Smuggling Protected Birdwings Butterflies
Charles Limmer, 75, of Commack, New York, has been charged with conspiracy to smuggle wildlife into the United States, smuggling wildlife into and out of the United States, and violations of the Lacey Act’s prohibitions on falsely labeling and trafficking in wildlife.
As alleged in the indictment, between October 2022 and September 2023, Limmer illegally imported and exported over $200,000 worth of shipments of deceased wildlife specimens, including protected birdwing butterflies.
Limmer sold the unlawfully imported wildlife on Internet platforms to customers located around the world. To conceal the scheme, Limmer directed his co-conspirators to label the shipments of wildlife as “decorative wall coverings,” “origami paper craft” and “wall decorations.”
According to the indictment, Limmer operated a commercial business importing, exporting, purchasing, and selling wildlife, including protected species of butterflies. In 2016, the Limmer Business obtained a license to import and export wildlife from the FWS. The FWS suspended the license in October 2022.
The indictment also seeks forfeiture of over 1,000 butterflies, moths and other insects alleged to have been illegally trafficked.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of smuggling, Limmer faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment.
Limmer will be arraigned at a later date.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Wildlife Trafficking|Conservation Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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