Rickie D. Cloyd, Wildlife Poisoning, Tennessee 2015

Greeneville, TN – A Tennessee farmer has been convicted of federal crimes related to the unlawful use of a highly toxic pesticide, resulting in the deaths of numerous animals, including protected migratory birds. Rickie D. Cloyd, 61, of Fall Branch, Tennessee, was sentenced to pay $5,000 in fines following a bench trial concluded on April 23, 2015, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dennis H. Inman.

The case originated from an investigation into a series of animal deaths discovered near Cloyd’s Washington County farm in September 2014. Investigators from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uncovered evidence that Cloyd had been distributing corn baits laced with Carbofuran, a restricted-use pesticide formerly sold under the brand name Furadan.

Furadan, once widely used on crops like alfalfa and tobacco, has been largely phased out due to its extreme toxicity to wildlife. The pesticide acts as a neurotoxin, causing paralysis and death in animals that ingest it. Evidence presented at trial indicated Cloyd utilized the pesticide in an attempt to control pests on his property, but the application resulted in both direct poisoning of animals consuming the treated bait and secondary poisoning of predators that fed on the affected animals. Several species of migratory birds were among the victims.

Prosecutors successfully argued that Cloyd knowingly violated both the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Specifically, Cloyd was found to have violated 7 U.S.C. § 136j(a)(2)(G), pertaining to the unlawful use of a restricted-use pesticide, and 16 U.S.C. § 703, which protects migratory birds from being killed by any means.

The collaborative investigation highlights the ongoing efforts of federal and state agencies to combat illegal pesticide use and protect vulnerable wildlife populations. The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division played a crucial role in gathering evidence and building the case against Cloyd. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Christian Lampe prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

While the $5,000 fine represents the penalty in this case, authorities emphasize the severity of the offense and the potential for greater repercussions in similar situations. The illegal use of restricted pesticides not only endangers wildlife but also poses a risk to human health and the environment. This case serves as a warning to others who may consider disregarding federal regulations governing pesticide application.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: Rickie D. Cloyd, 61, Fall Branch, TN
Crime: Illegal use of restricted-use pesticide (Carbofuran/Furadan) leading to wildlife poisoning.
Location: Washington County, Tennessee
Date of Conviction: April 23, 2015
Statutes Violated: 7 U.S.C. § 136j(a)(2)(G) (FIFRA), 16 U.S.C. § 703 (Migratory Bird Treaty Act)
Penalty: $5,000 fine
Agencies Involved: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, EPA.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

Related Federal Cases