Public Safety
Anaheim couple sentenced in protected-wildlife trafficking case
A federal court sentenced two Anaheim residents to three years’ probation and a $10,000 fine each after they pleaded guilty to trafficking protected wildlife parts between Oregon and Vietnam.
The U.S. Department of Justice said the couple admitted processing $51,100 in payments from September 2019 through May 2021 to help move wildlife items illegally. The case was heard in federal court in Eugene, Oregon.
Sentence: Three years’ probation and a $10,000 fine for each defendant
Law: Federal Lacey Act
Items cited by prosecutors: Bear gallbladders, cougar bones, lion teeth, rhinoceros-horn segments and a tiger pelt
International trade restrictions at issue
According to the Justice Department, the wildlife was moved between Oregon and Vietnam without the permits required for species protected under international trade rules. The agency said the investigation involved the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Homeland Security Investigations and Oregon State Police.
Official case announcement: Read the U.S. Department of Justice release →
Local reporting: Read the Los Angeles Times →