Anchorage, Alaska – United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced that a Juneau man was indicted by a federal grand jury in Anchorage on charges of illegally trafficking in migratory bird parts and bear parts.

The seven-count indictment names Michael Duby, 37, of Juneau, Alaska, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, from 2007, through 2009, Duby sold migratory birds and bird parts on the Internet auction site eBay. In 2008, Duby was warned by eBay that the sales may be in violation of federal law, but Duby continued selling migratory birds and bird parts after this date. Additionally, in 2009, Duby illegally killed a black bear in Juneau, by hunting in an area closed to hunting, using bait without a permit and using light during the hunt, all in violation of Alaska state law. The indictment further alleges that Duby then sold portions of the bear’s hide in interstate commerce to a buyer in Washington State.

Assistant United States Attorney Aunnie Steward, who presented the case to the grand jury, indicated that the law provides for a maximum total sentence of two years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under federal sentencing statutes, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement together with the Alaska State Troopers Wildlife Division conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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