Jeremiah Ruhl, Migratory Bird Violations, Vermont 2019

Grimy Times has learned that Jeremiah Ruhl, 43, of Colchester, Vermont, has been charged with a series of federal crimes related to the unlawful killing of migratory birds.

According to the indictment, Ruhl killed a crow and a woodcock without a license, and possessed a turkey vulture, all of which are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Ruhl was also charged with unlawfully possessing a Stevens .410 shotgun and rifle ammunition after having been convicted of a felony.

The indictment contains a total of six counts, and if convicted, Ruhl could face a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000 for the firearms violation.

For the Migratory Bird Treaty Act violations, Ruhl could face six months imprisonment and a $5,000 fine for each of the three counts.

Ruhl pled not guilty to all counts on April 26, 2019, and was subsequently detained pending trial.

The case was investigated by the State Game Wardens in the Law Enforcement Division of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, the Colchester Police Department, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Ruhl is represented by the Federal Public Defenders Office, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Perella.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/pr/colchester-man-charged-federal-migratory-bird-violations-and-unlawful-possession-firearm