A shocking case of wildlife smuggling has shaken the small town of Eagle Butte, South Dakota. According to sources, 44-year-old Wanda Dupris is accused of violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Dupris, a resident of Eagle Butte, was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 22, 2017. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 6, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to two years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, one year of supervised release, and up to $125 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on June 30, 2015, Dupris did knowingly, and with wanton disregard for the consequences of her actions, possess, sell, barter, and offer to sell and barter a bald eagle and a golden eagle and parts thereof, and other migratory birds and parts thereof.
The charges are merely accusations and Dupris is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan N. Dilges and Eric D. Kelderman are prosecuting the case.
Dupris was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing outrage and disappointment at the alleged actions of the accused.
The case highlights the ongoing struggle to protect our nation’s wildlife and the laws in place to safeguard their preservation. As the investigation continues, the people of Eagle Butte and beyond will be watching closely to see justice served.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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