Shichen Wang, Customs Violations, Texas 2013

A 44-year-old Chinese national living in Plano, Texas has been sentenced for customs violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

Shichen Wang pleaded guilty on February 14, 2013 to the misdemeanor offense of negligent attempted transportation of wildlife sold in violation of law and was given an 11-month probated sentence on September 10, 2013, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Amos L. Mazzant.

According to information presented in court, on April 19, 2011, Wang attempted to ship two elephant ivory carvings, daffodil flowers and a cylinder brush pot, in two separate packages that were addressed to two different locations in the Republic of China. Both of the packages were falsely labeled to describe their contents as ‘wood carvings’ which is a violation of federal laws that protect specified species of wildlife.

The packages were intercepted by wildlife inspectors who were inspecting International Express Mail packages that were consigned for export from the United States. Wang was also fined $3,000 and must forfeit the seized carvings to the government.

‘One of the primary objectives of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is to combat the international smuggling of wildlife from the U. S.,’ said Southwest Region’s Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Chavez. ‘This seizure was a great example of a multi-agency interdiction effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the U. S. Customs and Border Protection.’

This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, Fort Worth, and Rosemont, Illinois Office along with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Rosemont, Illinois Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. It is both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for its scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.

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