Batesland Man Pled Guilty to Selling Eagle Feather Fans

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Tilden Reddest, age 40, of Batesland, appeared before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on September 30, 2011, and pled guilty to two counts of Unlawfully Trafficking in Eagles. The maximum penalty upon conviction of the first count is one year of imprisonment and/or a $100,000 fine; the maximum penalty on the second count is two years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

In July 2009 near Allen, Reddest illegally sold two eagle feather fans. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tim Maher and Eric Kelderman.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for December 29, 2011. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.