Minnesota Man Charged with Unlawful Taking of Migratory Birds and Lacey Act Violations

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Rogers, Minnesota, man has been charged with a federal offense of Unlawful Taking of Migratory Birds and Lacey Act violations by an Information filed on May 25, 2011.

Donald C. Sundell, age 53, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 29, 2011, and pled not guilty to the charge. 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 charges are merely accusations, and Sundell is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers. Sundell was released on bond.