Rosebud Woman Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Trafficking in Eagles

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Noella Red Hawk, age 41, of Rosebud, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on October 25, 2011, and pled guilty to one count of Unlawfully Trafficking in Eagles. The maximum penalty upon conviction of the offense is one year of imprisonment and/or a $100,000 fine.

On September 10, 2009, in Rosebud, Red Hawk illegally sold an eagle feather fan and dance bustles with eagle feathers. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for January 18, 2012. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.