Kirk Canfield, Environmental Crime, New York 2014

Wilson Man Pleads Guilty To Environmental Charge

BUFFALO, N.Y. - In a shocking case of environmental recklessness, Kirk Canfield, 54, of Wilson, NY, pleaded guilty to violating the Bald and Gold Eagle Protection Act.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, Canfield operated a produce farm in Wilson, where he placed a meat pile mixed with Golden Malrin fly bait at the edge of a cornfield in August 2014. The fly bait contained Methomyl, an insecticide not intended for use in a manner that would allow animals to consume it.

The devastating consequences of Canfield's actions led to the death of three juvenile bald eagles, which were later found and photographed in the vicinity of the contaminated meat pile. Canfield subsequently removed the dead eagles and the contaminated meat pile from the field.

Prosecutors argue that Canfield acted with wanton disregard for the consequences of his actions, placing the meat pile in a location where animals could easily access it.

The investigation into Canfield's actions was led by Special Agents of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Environmental Conservation Officers with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Canfield's plea is a significant victory for conservation efforts, and his sentencing is scheduled for October 2, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hugh B. Scott.

The maximum penalty for violating the Bald and Gold Eagle Protection Act is one year in prison, a fine of $100,000, or both.

Defendant: Kirk Canfield

Criminal Charge: Violation of the Bald and Gold Eagle Protection Act

City and State: Wilson, NY

Exact Date: August 2014

Sentence or Outcome: Plea of Guilty, Sentencing Scheduled for October 2, 2015

Dollar Amounts: $100,000 fine

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/wilson-man-pleads-guilty-environmental-charge