Waubay Man Guilty of Unlawful Possession of Migratory Birds and Unlawful Possession of Endangered Species

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Kevin Jorgenson, age 54, of Waubay, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on September 17, 2012, and pled guilty to two counts of Unlawful Possession of Migratory Birds and one count of Unlawful Possession of Endangered Species.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 1 year's imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, or both, and a $25 assessment to the Victims' Assistance Fund (VAF).

Jorgenson operated a taxidermy business.  The conviction stems from an incident in which Jorgenson received and possessed 535 migratory birds, one Merlin Hawk, and one Sharp Skinned Hawk, as well as one Western Great Lakes Gray Wolf, an endangered species.  None of the wildlife was properly tagged as required by both federal and state law.

The investigation was conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meghan Dilges.  A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for December 17, 2012.  The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.