Pierre Man Charged with Unlawfully Taking Migratory Birds

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Pierre man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Unlawful Taking of Migratory Birds.

Charles Ross, d/b/a Scattergun Lodge, age 69, was charged by Information on August 2, 2011, with four counts of Unlawful Taking of Migratory Birds. He appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 26, 2011, and pled not guilty. The maximum penalty upon conviction is six months in custody, a $15,000 fine, or both, and a $10 Special Assessment. Restitution may also be ordered. The charge is merely an accusation, and Ross is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Assistant United States Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case. Ross was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.