Crime: Willard Maldonado, a member of the Yakama Indian Tribe, was found guilty of commercially selling eagle feathers, in violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. § 668(a)) and the Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 3372(a)(1) and 3373(d)(1)(B).
The investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Yakama Nation tribal authorities revealed that Maldonado killed eagles and sold their feathers through social media platforms. Maldonado can lawfully possess eagle feathers for non-commercial purposes, but it is unlawful for anyone to offer eagle feathers for sale or to sell them.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, the crimes occurred over a period of more than two years, from December 6, 2010, through January 27, 2014.
Maldonado’s guilty pleas are the culmination of a lengthy investigation, which also identified people in the United States and Canada who responded to solicitations made by Maldonado. The investigation followed other similar cases, including United States v. Hawk and United States v. Wahchumwah.
Defendant: Willard Phillip Maldonado
Criminal Charges: Five violations of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. § 668(a)) and one violation of the Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 3372(a)(1) and 3373(d)(1)(B))
City and State: Spokane, Washington
Crime Date: Over a period of more than two years, from December 6, 2010, through January 27, 2014
Sentence: To be determined, sentencing hearing set for July 29, 2015, at 11:30 a.m. in Yakima, Washington
Conclusion: The sale of eagle feathers is a serious offense, and Maldonado’s guilty pleas serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting these iconic birds and their habitats.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Wildlife Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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