A Rapid City man has been sentenced for his role in a conspiracy to commit wildlife trafficking. Troy Fairbanks, 57, was convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Wildlife Trafficking and sentenced to 5 years’ probation.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Fairbanks was involved in the buying, selling, trading, and bartering of eagles and hawks, as well as their parts, between July 17, 2014, and February 11, 2016. He sold and traded hundreds of eagle feathers, eagle wings, eagle heads, eagle claws, raptor claws, hawk feathers, and parts from other CITES I protected birds.
The investigation, known as Project Dakota Flyer, revealed that at least 112 eagles passed through Fairbanks’ home during the investigation. The National Fish and Wildlife Forensic lab conducted DNA testing of the carcasses, parts, and feathers recovered through these purchases and after a search warrant conducted at Fairbanks’ home.
Fairbanks was ordered to pay $15,816 in restitution to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He is one of the last defendants in the Project Dakota Flyer investigation to be sentenced.
To date, 29 defendants have been sentenced, resulting in $56,000 in fines and $196,546 in restitution. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Kelderman and Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting wildlife and the consequences of wildlife trafficking. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work to ensure that those who engage in wildlife trafficking are held accountable.
Defendant Information:
Defendant: Troy Fairbanks
Age: 57
City: Rapid City, South Dakota
State: South Dakota
Crime: Conspiracy to Commit Wildlife Trafficking
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to Commit Wildlife Trafficking
Arrest Date: None (indicted in March 2017)
Sentencing Date: October 6, 2020
Sentence: 5 years’ probation and ordered to pay $15,816 in restitution and a $100 special assessment
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Wildlife Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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