Trey Joseph Frederick Sentenced for Whooping Crane Killings

Beaumont, Texas—A 19-year-old man shot and killed two endangered whooping cranes in a senseless act of violence against one of America’s most protected bird species. Trey Joseph Frederick admitted to the crime, leading to a federal conviction under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the Eastern District of Texas.

Frederick pleaded guilty on May 23, 2016, and was sentenced today to five years of federal probation by U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn. As part of the judgment, he is banned from possessing firearms, ammunition, or any dangerous weapon. He is also permanently prohibited from hunting or fishing anywhere in the United States.

The crime unfolded on January 11, 2016, when Texas Game Wardens received two calls reporting that two whooping cranes had been shot on Blair Road in Jefferson County. Investigators quickly linked Frederick to the area, where he was seen with a hunting rifle and later admitted to federal agents at his LaBelle Road home that he had killed the birds. Whooping cranes are federally protected migratory birds; killing them is a direct violation of federal law.

Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston invoked President Theodore Roosevelt, stating, “The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased; and not impaired value.” She emphasized that protecting wildlife ensures future generations can experience the raw beauty of nature—something Frederick’s actions directly undermined.

Special Agent in Charge Nicholas E. Chavez of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service condemned the killings, calling them a loss not just for the species, but for the community and taxpayers. “The killing of these two whooping cranes is not an isolated incident,” Chavez said. “Over the past five years, more than 20 whooping cranes have been shot and killed in the U.S.” He stressed that holding offenders accountable is critical to deterring future crimes.

Frederick must pay $12,907.50 in restitution to the International Crane Foundation and another $12,907.50 to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation—totaling $25,815.00. He is also required to complete 200 hours of community service. The case was investigated by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph R. Batte.