Tuesday, March 21, 2006

OSAGE CITY MAN PLEADS GUILTY
TO TRAFFICKING IN ENDANGERED ANIMALS

An Osage City man pleaded guilty in federal court in Topeka Tuesday to unlawfully selling a black leopard, which is a federally protected endangered species.

John E. Shirey, 59, pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation and sale of an endangered species. He entered the plea during a hearing before U.S. District Judge Richard D. Rogers.

“All forms of leopard are endangered species and the trade in such species is heavily regulated by federal law and international treaty,” said U.S. Attorney Eric Melgren. “Federal jurisdiction attaches if the animals are sold in interstate commerce.”

In his plea, Shirey admitted that on Jan. 11, 2005, he traveled from Kansas to Nebraska carrying a black leopard kitten. He did not know that the man he intended to meet was an agent of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services working undercover and posing as a buyer of exotic animals. Shirey delivered the leopard to the agent and received $1,300 in payment, after which he was arrested.

He faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing is set for June 23. Melgren commended U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, which investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Hendershot, who prosecuted the case.

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