Royley A. Folse, Jr., 69, of St. James Parish, is facing serious charges for his alleged involvement in the sale and possession of protected migratory birds.
According to the indictment, from June 2010 to December 2011, Folse allegedly bartered and sold four yellow-crowned night herons and sixty-two white ibis to unsuspecting buyers. These birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), making their sale a serious offense.
The indictment also charges Folse with possessing a Barn Owl and a Red-Tailed Hawk on April 2, 2013. Wildlife experts have confirmed that these birds are also protected under the MBTA.
If convicted of selling migratory birds, Folse faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, followed by one year of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $2,000. A conviction for the possession of the Barn Owl and the Red-Tailed Hawk carries a maximum term of imprisonment of six months, followed by one year of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $15,000.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite reiterates that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Polite praised the work of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in investigating this matter.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution. This case highlights the importance of protecting our nation’s wildlife and enforcing the laws that govern their protection.
The indictment serves as a reminder that those who engage in wildlife trafficking will be held accountable for their actions. The public can report any suspicious wildlife activity to the authorities.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Wildlife Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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