Related Federal Cases
- Amgen Pays $71M for Pushing Drugs Off-Label · Washington
- Amgen Inc. $71M Settlement · Washington
- Western Union Scam · Washington
- Live Nation Faces Trial Over Monopoly Practices · Washington
- Nebraska Man Gets 15 Years for Meth Trafficking · Iowa
Wildlife Trafficking Ring Busted in Project Dakota Flyer
South Dakota is reeling after the sentencing of 19 defendants in one of the largest wildlife trafficking investigations in the Midwest in recent history. The Project Dakota Flyer investigation, led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, uncovered a vast black market for eagle and other migratory bird parts.
The convictions spanned over 19 months, during which time undercover agents made purchases from 51 suspects in South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Iowa, and over the internet. The operation revealed over 35 species of birds, from every continent except Antarctica, were trafficked.
U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons praised the sentences, stating, “This investigation has demonstrated the breadth of the illegal black market for eagle and other migratory bird parts. It is our goal to completely eliminate the unauthorized killing and selling of bald eagles, golden eagles, and other protected species.”
Parsons emphasized the importance of respecting traditional Native American use of eagle parts for cultural or spiritual purposes, saying, “We are very sensitive to the Native American culture and religious practices that use and honor the eagle, and we want them to be able to continue to do that in a lawful and culturally appropriate manner.”
The following individuals were sentenced in connection with the Project Dakota Flyer investigation:
Sheldon Tree Top, 44, of Mandan, ND, was sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, restitution to the National Wildlife Foundation in the amount of $5,000, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $125.
Jorge Pena, 45, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was sentenced to five months of federal prison on each count, to run concurrently, restitution to the National Wildlife Foundation in the amount of $20,000, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $125.
Aaron David West, Jr., 34, of Eagle Butte, SD, was sentenced to two months in federal prison, six months of home confinement, one year of supervised release, restitution to the National Wildlife Foundation in the amount of $31,750 jointly with co-defendant Aaron David West, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $125.
These convictions are a significant blow to the wildlife trafficking ring, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to continuing its efforts to protect America’s wildlife.
“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protects our nation’s wildlife here and abroad,” said Edward Grace, Acting Assistant Director of the Office of Law Enforcement for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “We initiated Operation Project Dakota Flyer to stop the unlawful trafficking in protected migratory birds with a particular emphasis in bald and golden eagles.”
The Project Dakota Flyer investigation is a reminder of the importance of protecting our nation’s wildlife and the devastating consequences of wildlife trafficking.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Wildlife Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
