Brookings Man Pleads Guilty To Unlawful Taking Of Migratory Birds

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Jaron Anderson, age 22, of Brookings, South Dakota appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John E. Simko on June 17, 2013 and pled guilty to Count V of the Information that charged him with Unlawful Taking of Migratory Birds and Lacey Act violations.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 1 year of imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, or both; 1 year of supervised release; an additional year of supervised release upon revocation; and a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge stems from an incident wherein Anderson, along with a group of friends known as “Team Those Guys,” hunted between November 24, 2012 and November 29, 2012 in Miner County, South Dakota. Anderson illegally killed 65 geese using an electronic device. Anderson admitted he knew it was illegal to use said device while goose hunting during that time of the year. After killing the geese, they were transported from the field to various locations by Anderson and others in violation of federal law.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

Anderson was released on bond pending sentencing which has been set for August 19, 2013.