Grimy Times has learned that Michael Slattery Jr., 25, an Irish national, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Brooklyn, N.Y., to conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act in relation to illegal rhinoceros horn trafficking.
Slattery pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Under the terms of the plea agreement, any proceeds from the illegal trafficking that remain in the United States will be forfeited or put toward the criminal fine. Slattery is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John Gleeson in the Eastern District of New York on Jan. 10, 2014.
In the plea agreement, Slattery admitted that he, along with others, traveled throughout the United States to illegally purchase and sell endangered rhinoceros horns. Slattery was arrested in September as part of “Operation Crash,” a nationwide, multi-agency crackdown on those involved in the black market trade of endangered rhinoceros horn.
“Slattery and his co-conspirators traveled to the United States to profit from the illegal trade in black rhinoceros horns,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Robert G. Dreher. “The black rhino is a species that, without our protection, could be headed for extinction in our own time. Rhino horn trafficking is a violation of the laws enacted by Congress to protect endangered species from extinction and the government will aggressively prosecute those who engage in this egregious market.”
U.S. Attorney Loretta E. Lynch added, “Today’s guilty plea highlights our commitment to protect endangered species, like the black rhinoceros, by prosecuting those who would profit from the rhinos’ extinction. Michael Slattery traveled the world in pursuit of illicit profit from the sale of rhino horns. But instead of gaining a windfall by contributing to the demise of an age-old species, Slattery now faces up to five years in prison for his illegal conduct.”
Rhinoceros are a herbivore species of prehistoric origin and one of the largest remaining mega-fauna on earth. They have no known predators other than humans. All species of rhinoceros are protected under United States and international law, and all black rhinoceros species are endangered.
Sentence or outcome: Up to 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: September 2013
Sentencing Date: January 10, 2014
Related Federal Cases
- Michael Van Nostrand, Wildlife Trafficking, Florida 2023 · Florida
- Genesis Petroleum, Environmental Violations, New York 2019 · New Jersey
- William L. Huntress, Wetlands Filling, New York 2011 · New York
- Lin Feng Xu, Ivory Smuggling, New York 2011 · New York
- Timothy Michael Dever, Threats Against Government Officials, New York 2023 · North Carolina
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Environmental Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Environmental CrimesEnvironmental CrimesEnvironmental CrimesEnvironmental Crimes