
© AP / James NordSouth Dakota U.S. Attorney Randy Seiler discusses the details of indictments in an eagle trafficking case in Rapid City, S.D., Monday, April 24, 2017. Over a dozen people have been indicted for illegally trafficking eagles and other migratory birds after a two-year undercover operation.
Federal officials in South Dakota said Monday that 15 people have been indicted for illegally trafficking eagles and other migratory birds after a two-year undercover operation potentially involving hundreds of birds.
U.S. Attorney Randy Seiler said that officials expect "significant" additional federal charges in the case, which
focused on trafficking of eagles and eagle parts and feathers for profit. Authorities said the case involves more than 100 eagles, a number that could climb as high as 250.
Seiler described one operation as basically a "chop-shop for eagles" in which eagle feathers were stuffed into garbage bags. He said it was clear that it was a moneymaking operation and that the feathers and eagle parts such as talons and beaks were treated as merchandise.
"There was no cultural sensitivity. There was no spirituality," Seiler said. "There was no tradition in the manner in which these defendants handled these birds."
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