Timber Lake Man Charged with Unlawful Taking of Migratory Birds

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Timber Lake, South Dakota, man has been charged with a federal offense of Unlawful Taking of Migratory Birds by an Information filed on May 25, 2011.

Barry Hutchinson, age 60, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 20, 2011, and pled not guilty to the charge of Unlawful Taking of Migratory Birds. The maximum penalty upon conviction is one year of imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, or both; one year of supervised release; and a special assessment of $25 to the Victim Assistance Fund. The charge is merely an accusation, and Hutchinson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers. Hutchinson was released on bond.