Jason Ksepka, Shipping Endangered Reptiles, New Jersey 2017

Related Federal Cases

James Fights to Uphold Gun Shipping Ban Amidst DOJ Retreat · Delaware
Virginia Attorney Sunila Dutt Admits Visa Fraud, Obstruction · New Jersey
Maryland Man Admits Stealing Art, Selling in New Jersey · Maryland
Jamaican Scammer Admits to Lottery Fraud Against Elderly · New Jersey
Javan Smith Admits Stealing $945K from Fabric Firm · Connecticut

Table of Contents

Monmouth Man Admits Shipping Endangered Reptiles as ‘Toys’

A Monmouth County man has admitted to shipping endangered reptiles as ‘Toys’ to Hong Kong, according to federal officials. Jason Ksepka, 44, of Farmingdale, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to violating the Lacey Act by falsely labeling an international shipment of wildlife.

Ksepka shipped a package containing 10 live rhinoceros iguanas via U.S. Priority Mail Express from the U.S. Post Office in Lambertville, New Jersey, on November 7, 2017. He falsely described the contents of the package as ‘Toys’ and the sender as ‘Luke Jacobs’ on a U.S. Postal Service International Shipping Label and Customs Form. The package was intercepted by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Inspectors at the mail facility at John F. Kennedy International Airport on November 8, 2017.

Ksepka was paid $500 by an individual to falsely label the package and ship it to Hong Kong. This was not the first time Ksepka had been involved in shipping endangered reptiles to Hong Kong. One year prior to the shipment, the same individual had paid Ksepka $500 to ship approximately 10 additional rhinoceros iguanas to Hong Kong.

Ksepka has agreed to pay a fine of $1,000 to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lacey Act Reward Fund as part of his plea agreement. The charge to which Ksepka pleaded guilty carries with it a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for January 25, 2022.

Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig credited special agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, under the direction of Resident Agent in Charge Sean Mann, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen P. O’Leary of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Government Fraud Unit in Newark. This case is a reminder of the ongoing threat of wildlife trafficking and the importance of protecting endangered species.

Ksepka’s actions not only put the rhinoceros iguanas in danger, but also undermined the efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat wildlife trafficking. His guilty plea serves as a warning to those who would engage in such activities.