SPRINGFIELD, IL – Michael E. Wachstetter of Illinois was sentenced in 2008 after pleading guilty to violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, following a federal investigation into the deliberate poisoning of protected birds. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and investigated by federal wildlife authorities, revealed a disturbing pattern of illegal activity on Wachstetter’s property.
According to court documents, Wachstetter admitted to injecting the highly toxic pesticide Furadan into animal carcasses and strategically placing them on and around his property on three separate occasions in 2004 and 2005. This act, intended to attract scavenging birds, resulted in the deaths of vultures, hawks, and crows – all species protected under federal law.
Furadan, a restricted-use pesticide, is legally prohibited for use in baiting animal carcasses. Its potent neurotoxic effects quickly incapacitate and kill birds that ingest even small amounts. Investigators determined that Wachstetter knowingly and intentionally used the pesticide despite its restricted status and the clear legal ramifications of such an action. The motive behind the poisoning remains unclear, though authorities suspect it may have been an attempt to control bird populations on his land.
Investigation and Prosecution
The case originated with reports of unusually high bird mortality in the area. Federal wildlife officials responded and, through forensic analysis of the deceased birds, detected significant levels of carbofuran – the active ingredient in Furadan – in their systems. This led to a targeted investigation of properties in the vicinity, ultimately focusing on Wachstetter’s land.
On November 20, 2007, Wachstetter was formally charged with three counts of violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703). He subsequently entered a guilty plea, acknowledging his responsibility for the illegal poisoning. The prosecution highlighted the severity of the offense, emphasizing the intentional nature of the act and the damage inflicted on protected bird populations.
Sentencing and Penalties
Following the guilty plea, Wachstetter received a 12-month probationary sentence. In addition to probation, he was ordered to pay a substantial financial penalty: a $15,000 payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to support conservation efforts and a $30,000 fine payable to the federal government. This case serves as a stark reminder that intentionally harming migratory birds carries significant legal consequences.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Michael E. Wachstetter
- State: Illinois
- Year of Offense: 2004-2005
- Crime: Violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703)
- Pesticide Used: Furadan (carbofuran)
- Victims: Vultures, Hawks, and Crows
- Penalties: 12 months probation, $15,000 to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, $30,000 federal fine
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this and other environmental crime cases as they develop.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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