David L. Place, a 57-year-old man from Nantucket, Massachusetts, has been convicted of trafficking in endangered sperm whale teeth and narwhal tusks.
A federal jury in Boston found Place guilty of seven felony counts related to the illegal importation and sale of the protected whale teeth, as well as narwhal tusks.
The evidence presented in court showed that Place knowingly purchased and imported sperm whale teeth and narwhal tusks into the United States from 2001 to 2006, in violation of federal law.
The protected whale teeth are highly valued by collectors and tourists for scrimshaw, an art form that involves etching or engraving designs on whale bones or teeth.
Place conspired with individuals in Ukraine to illegally import the protected whale teeth for resale in the United States, and owned a business called Manor House Antiques Cooperative in Nantucket.
The case was investigated by agents from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Place faces up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 on smuggling charges, as well as up to five years on each of five counts of Lacey Act violations and related conspiracy charges.
The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Gary N. Donner and James B. Nelson of the Environmental Crime Section.
RELATED: MA Man Accused of Threatening Woman with Assault Rifle
RELATED: Grandparent Scam: $5M Laundered, DR National Jailed
Related Federal Cases
- Massachusetts Heroin Trafficking Ring Dismantled · Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Woman Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud Scheme · Massachusetts
- Buffalos Gang Members Nabbed in Child Sex Trafficking · Massachusetts
- Lynn Gang Members Plead Guilty to Crack Cocaine Trafficking · Massachusetts
- Cromwell’s Empire Collapses in Massachusetts Federal Case · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Public Corruption|Violent Crime|White Collar Crime|Environmental Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
