Federal agents have arrested Kurtis Law, 49, of Fountain Valley, California, on charges of attempted smuggling of nearly 100 Asian songbirds from Vietnam. The grim incident involved the death of most birds during transit or shortly after arrival at Los Angeles International Airport.
Law, who also maintains a residence in Vietnam, was apprehended following a federal criminal complaint filed yesterday afternoon. The complaint alleges that Law attempted to smuggle 93 Asian songbirds into the United States on March 24. Protected species such as Bali Mynas, Chinese Hwamei, Silver-eared Mesia, and Red-billed Leiothrix birds were among those found in his luggage.
The affidavit supporting the complaint reveals that the birds were packed in Law’s suitcases without adequate room for movement, leading to the tragic loss of most of them. Kurtis Law is expected to appear before a federal court in downtown Los Angeles this afternoon.
Law faces serious charges for smuggling goods into the United States, which is a felony offense carrying a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Dennis Mitchell and Erik M. Silber of the Environmental and Community Safety Crimes Section.
A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Environmental & Wildlife Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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