Anchorage Man Pleads Guilty to Marine Mammal Protection Act Violation
ANCHORAGE – In a shocking turn of events, 71-year-old Uzi Levi of Anchorage pleaded guilty to two counts of illegally trafficking in walrus ivory in U.S. District Court.
Levi, the owner of a local car rental business, was caught purchasing six non-handicrafted Pacific walrus tusks and one three-tusked non-handicrafted Pacific walrus head mount from an undercover U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agent in July and September 2020.
According to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, it is unlawful for a non-Alaskan native to transport, purchase, sell, export or offer to purchase, sell or export any marine mammal or marine mammal product for any purpose other than public display, scientific research or enhancing the survival of a species or stock or any marine mammal part that has not been made into an authentic native article of handicraft.
Levi’s actions have raised concerns among Alaska Native artists who rely on the sale of handicrafted marine mammal products for their livelihood.
On July 13, 2020, Levi purchased six non-handicrafted Pacific walrus tusks, and on September 29, 2020, he purchased one non-handicrafted, three-tusked walrus head mount.
Levi pleaded guilty to both counts and was sentenced before Chief United States District Court Judge Sharon L. Gleason. He was ordered to pay a $4,000 fine and sentenced to two years probation.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska made the announcement. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Skrocki prosecuted the case.
Mandatory Facts:
- Defendant/respondent: Uzi Levi
- Criminal charges: Two counts of illegally trafficking in walrus ivory
- City and state: Anchorage, Alaska
- Exact date: July and September 2020
- Sentence or outcome: $4,000 fine and two years probation
- Dollar amounts: $4,000 fine
Key Facts
- State: Alaska
- Category: Environmental Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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