Trey Joseph Frederick, Wildlife Violations, Texas 2016

A 19-year-old Beaumont, Texas, man has been sentenced for federal wildlife violations in the Eastern District of Texas.

Trey Joseph Frederick pleaded guilty on May 23, 2016 to a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and was sentenced to five years of federal probation today by U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn.

As part of his probation, Frederick is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms, ammunition or any other dangerous weapon. He is also prohibited from hunting or fishing anywhere in the United States.

According to information presented in court, on January 11, 2016, a Texas Game Warden received two calls reporting two whooping cranes had been shot on Blair Road in Jefferson County. Further investigation revealed the defendant had been seen in the area with a hunting rifle and had claimed to be hunting geese.

Frederick has been ordered to pay restitution to the International Crane Foundation in the amount of $12,907.50 and restitution to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation in the amount of $12,907.50 for a total restitution judgment of $25,815.00. He must also perform 200 hours of community service.

Frederick’s actions led to the killing of two whooping cranes, a protected migratory bird species, in Jefferson County. The case was investigated by special agents with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, Office of Law Enforcement and Game Wardens with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph R. Batte.

Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston quoted President Theodore Roosevelt saying, “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.” Featherston added, “Protecting our environment and wildlife is vital to making sure that future generations have the opportunity to enjoy the true beauty and excitement of nature.”

The loss of these cranes is not simply a loss for the species. It is a loss for the community, for taxpayers and for future generations deprived of an opportunity to see these magnificent birds thriving in the wild, said Southwest Region Special Agent in Charge Nicholas E. Chavez of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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