The U.S. Justice Department has revealed an indictment against Dr. John Waldrop, aged 74, from Cataula, Georgia, and Toney Jones, aged 53, from Eufala, Alabama. These charges pertain to conspiracy, smuggling, violations of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and money laundering. An arraignment in federal court is scheduled for October 16.
The indictment alleges that Waldrop and Jones illegally imported hundreds of taxidermy bird mounts and thousands of bird eggs into the United States between January 1, 2016, and December 10, 2020. It is essential to declare wildlife to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Customs authorities, as well as obtain permits for wildlife protected by the ESA, Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The indictment states that Waldrop and Jones used online platforms like eBay and Etsy to purchase birds and eggs from various countries worldwide. They imported and collected numerous species of protected birds. The indictment also charges the duo with importing prohibited packages containing birds and eggs in violation of smuggling and ESA laws. Furthermore, it alleges a conspiracy to commit money laundering by transferring funds out of the United States to support bird smuggling. The indictment seeks forfeiture of 779 bird mounts and 2,594 eggs allegedly illegally imported into the United States.
The maximum penalties for smuggling and money laundering charges are 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the economic gain or loss. The conspiracy charge carries a maximum five-year sentence, while the ESA violation is punishable by up to six months in prison.
The CITES treaty and MBTA play a significant role in regulating trade in endangered or threatened species through permit requirements. The investigation, known as Operation Final Flight, was conducted by the USFWS’s Office of Law Enforcement in Valley Stream, New York, focusing on the trafficking of protected birds into the United States. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provided assistance during the investigation.
It is crucial to remember that an indictment represents an allegation, and all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
By FCCT Editorial Team
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