- Harvey Hugues, a felon from Montana, was sentenced to three years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Susan Watters in Billings.
- Hugs pleaded guilty in September to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced for firearms-related offenses.
- Prosecutors allege that Huggs spent more than a year shooting federally protected eagles and selling the parts for profit.
A Montana felon previously convicted of killing eagles to sell their parts on the black market was sentenced Wednesday to three years in federal prison for related firearms violations.
U.S. District Judge Susan Watters in Billings sentenced Harvey Hugues, 60, who pleaded guilty in September to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Prosecutors say a Hardin, Montana, man used a gun to shoot federally protected eagles for more than a year and then sold parts of the birds to an informant for a profit. .
A search of Hugs' home and vehicle in 2021 revealed eagle parts, two rifles and ammunition, according to court documents. Investigators recovered parts of 21 different eagles, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
'Killing Spree': Two men charged with killing bald eagle and selling body parts for profit
“While it is unclear how many eagles Haggs captured by shooting or trapping, the location, type, and amount of evidence reflect the extensive and long-term nature of his criminal plan,” prosecutors said. Recommended.
An adult golden eagle circles overhead in a remote area of Box Elder County, Utah, on May 20, 2021. Harvey Haggs, a Montana felon previously convicted of killing eagles to sell parts on the black market, was sentenced to three years in federal prison. He will be sentenced to prison on January 24, 2024 on gun control charges. (Spencer Heaps/Deseret News, via AP, File)
Hugs was sentenced to three years in federal prison last June after being found guilty by a jury in Rapid City, South Dakota, of trafficking in golden eagle feathers, wings and tails in violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Ta.
The two sentences will run concurrently, according to court documents. Edward Warner, Haggs' public defender in the Montana case, did not immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment.
Hugs has an extensive criminal record with convictions for manslaughter, obstructing police operations and trespassing. He was sentenced in 2012 in federal court in Montana to six months in prison for orchestrating the illegal purchase of eagle feathers, tails and wings and two hawk tails, according to court documents.
Colts safety's father identified as suspect in bald eagle killing with rifle
His latest prison sentence comes after two men were charged in a separate plot to kill eagles in Montana, where authorities killed about 3,600 birds, including golden and bald eagles, on and around the Flathead Indian Reservation. The decision came a few weeks after it was announced.
One of the defendants in the case, Simon Paul, is being sought by authorities after he failed to appear at his first court appearance on January 8, and a judge is being asked to issue a warrant for his arrest.
It is illegal to own, use or sell eagles or their parts in the United States, but there are exceptions when cultural institutions and Native Americans use eagles in religious ceremonies. Federal authorities operate an exchange that provides eagle feathers and other parts to tribal members, accredited zoos and museums.
