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Turtle Traffickers Busted
Two men, 44-year-old ERIC COTTRELL of Minden, Louisiana, and 72-year-old RAYMOND CHIU of Foster City, California, are facing serious charges after being arrested for their alleged involvement in a turtle trafficking ring. According to court records, the duo conspired to purchase and smuggle unpermitted turtles, including the endangered Diamondback Terrapin.
The scheme allegedly began in 2015 and continued to the present day. If convicted, COTTRELL and CHIU could face a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a three-year term of supervised release on the Lacey Act and conspiracy charges. The smuggling charge carries a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a three-year term of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite praised the work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy is in charge of the prosecution.
COTTRELL and CHIU appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Karen Roby after being arrested on a criminal complaint. A detention hearing is scheduled for next week.
The Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. § 3372), smuggling goods from the United States (18 U.S.C. § 554), and conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 371) are the charges brought against the two men. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
Turtle trafficking is a serious offense that can have devastating consequences for the environment and endangered species. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Homeland Security Investigations have demonstrated their commitment to protecting wildlife and enforcing environmental laws. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of these efforts and the need for continued vigilance in the face of wildlife trafficking.
The case against COTTRELL and CHIU is a significant one, and the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the world of wildlife trafficking. The Grimy Times will be there every step of the way, providing in-depth coverage and analysis of this developing story.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Wildlife Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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