Montana Man Guilty of Selling Eagle Parts

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Ernie Stewart, age 33, of Wyola, Montana, appeared before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on January 10, 2012, and pled guilty to Unlawfully Trafficking in Eagles. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 1 year of imprisonment and/or a $100,000 fine.

In June 2010, near Spearfish, Stewart sold eagle feathers, a set of wings, and a tail to another individual without being permitted to do so. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish & 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 March 30, 2012. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.