Fourteen Make Court Appearances in Project Dakota Flyer

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that fourteen individuals indicted for the illegal trafficking of eagles and other migratory birds have made their initial appearances in Federal Court. The Indictments were the result of a two-year undercover operation, dubbed Project Dakota Flyer.

Indicted Individuals Include:

Troy Fairbanks, 54, Rapid City, SD, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wildlife Trafficking, and violations of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Lacey Act: CR 17-50036

Majestic Fairbanks, 22, Rapid City, SD, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wildlife Trafficking: CR 17-50036

Troy Young Fairbanks, 24, Rapid City, SD, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wildlife Trafficking: CR 17-50036

Alvin Brown, Jr., 37, Ethete, WY, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wildlife Trafficking, and violations of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Lacey Act: CR 17-50035

Michael Primeaux, 32, Parmalee, SD/ Ethete WY, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wildlife Trafficking, and violations of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act: CR 17-50035

Aaron David West, 62, Eagle Butte, SD, charged with violations of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act: CR-17-30051

Aaron David West, Jr., 33, Eagle Butte, SD, charged with violations of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act: CR-17-30051

Jorge Pena, 44, Mt. Vernon, IA, charged with violations of the Lacey Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and Migratory Bird Treaty Act: CR-17-50056

Valencia Neck, 38, Parmelee, SD, charged with violations of the Lacey Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and Migratory Bird Treaty Act: CR-17-30050

Benjamin Iron Hawk, 44, Kyle, SD, charged with violations of the Lacey Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and Migratory Bird Treaty Act: CR-17-30050

Chet Christensen, 66, Tuthill, SD, charged with violations of the Lacey Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and Migratory Bird Treaty Act: CR-17-30052

Ronald Fisher, 64, Kyle, SD, charged with violations of the Lacey Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and Migratory Bird Treaty Act: CR-17-50057

Gary Fisher, 69, Gordon, NE, charged with violations of the Lacey Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and Migratory Bird Treaty Act: CR-17-50057

David Jasper, 60, Box Elder, SD, charged with violations of the Lacey Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and Migratory Bird Treaty Act: CR-17-30048

The defendants made their initial appearances between May 1, 2017, and May 9, 2017, in federal court in Pierre and Rapid City, SD. Trial dates have been set in June and July 2017. This case is being investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Kelderman and Meghan N. Dilges are prosecuting the cases.

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