Howes Man Sentenced For Unlawful Taking Of A Bald Eagle

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Howes, South Dakota, man charged with Unlawful Taking of a Bald Eagle pled guilty to the charge and was sentenced on July 31, 2014, by U.S. Magistrate Veronica L. Duffy.

Cody M. Weyer, age 42, was sentenced to 1 year probation, a $500 fine, $10,000 in restitution, and $25 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stems from an incident that took place on January 21, 2014, when a South Dakota Game Fish and Parks officer responded to a complaint of dead deer in a particular area of Meade County.  While searching for the dead deer, the officer found a dead mature bald eagle in a bull pasture leased by Weyer.  During the course of the investigation Weyer was interviewed and admitted to killing the eagle.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges.