Shahram ‘Ron’ Roohparvar, a 61-year-old resident of Saratoga, California, was handed a three-month prison term followed by three months of home confinement for his role in an elephant ivory trafficking operation, announced United States Attorney Brian J. Stretch and Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) Law Enforcement Jill Birchell.
In exchange for Roohparvar’s guilty plea entered in July, Judge Charles Breyer imposed the sentence on November 2, 2016. Roohparvar had admitted to falsifying documents to sell protected elephant ivory, along with other wildlife such as leopards, helmeted hornbills, and red coral.
The sale of elephant ivory has been banned and regulated since 1976, with federal statutes and international agreements in place to prevent illegal export. U.S. Attorney Stretch emphasized the gravity of illegal wildlife trafficking, stating that this office would pursue those who threaten endangered species like the African elephant.
Special Agent in Charge Jill Birchell highlighted the commitment of the USFWS Law Enforcement to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in the unlawful commercial trade of protected animals and plants, emphasizing the impact of poaching on vulnerable species.
In addition to his prison term and home confinement, Roohparvar was sentenced to two years of supervised release, a fine of $20,000, restitution of $20,000 to the Lacey Act Reward Fund, and a special assessment of $100. He is currently free on bond but must surrender by February 3, 2017.
The case against Roohparvar was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Vartain Horn with assistance from Ana Guerra and Theresa Benitez. The investigation leading to the prosecution was conducted by the USFWS Office of Law Enforcement.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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