Dover Man Pleads Guilty to Migratory Bird Trafficking

Jeremiah S. Loui, a 31-year-old man from Dover, N.H., pleaded guilty in federal court to a misdemeanor charge of illegally possessing and selling a Northern Goshawk, a bird of prey protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The plea marks the end of a federal investigation into a black-market wildlife trade operation run from his home.

Court documents reveal Loui sold a taxidermied Accipiter gentilis—commonly known as a Northern Goshawk—over the internet. In addition, he either sold or possessed 14 other taxidermied birds of prey, all protected under either the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or the Wild Bird Conservation Act. Authorities say the online transactions were carefully concealed, targeting niche collectors across state lines.

Loui compounded his crimes by making false statements to a federal law enforcement officer during the investigation. Federal prosecutors emphasized that the deception delayed the probe but ultimately failed to shield him from accountability. His actions violated long-standing wildlife protections meant to preserve ecological balance and prevent exploitation of vulnerable species.

“This investigation demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and bring to justice those who exploit protected resources for personal gain,” said Honora Gordon, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She called the case a stark reminder that wildlife crimes are not victimless.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrea K. Johnstone accepted Loui’s guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for May 9, 2017. He now faces a statutory maximum of six months in prison, a $15,000 fine, or both. As part of his plea agreement, Loui agreed to forfeit any interest in all 15 protected birds involved in the case.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service led the investigation, with critical support from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service tracing shipments tied to Loui’s sales. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Morse is prosecuting the case. The federal crackdown underscores growing scrutiny on underground markets trafficking in protected animal parts.

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