Montana Man Indicted for Trafficking in Eagles and Migratory Birds

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Wyola, Montana, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for trafficking in eagles and migratory birds and parts thereof.

Ernie Stewart, age 33, was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 8, 2011, for Unlawfully Trafficking in Eagles and Unlawfully Trafficking in Migratory Birds. He appeared before US Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on June 28, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is two years imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. The charges are merely accusations, and Stewart is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Assistant US Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case. Stewart was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.