Close Menu
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Relationships
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Celebrity Kids
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
  • Disclaimer
  • About us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contribute & Advertise with Us
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest Vimeo
GistFestGistFest
  • Entertainment

    Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge Revisit Lavish Wedding Venue Amid Backlash Over Cheating Rumors

    June 24, 2025

    Sarah Jessica Parker Carrie Bradshaw Role: Why She Found Playing the Role So Emotionally Draining

    June 23, 2025

    Exes Megan Fox and MGK Unveil Their Baby Girl’s Name Following ‘Celestial Seed’ Mix-Up

    June 20, 2025

    Jessica Alba Paid Tribute to Estranged Husband Cash Warren on First Father’s Day After Their Split

    June 19, 2025

    King Charles’ Father’s Day Message 2025: Subtle Nod to Prince Harry Sparks Speculation of Royal Reconciliation

    June 18, 2025
  • Lifestyle

    Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge Revisit Lavish Wedding Venue Amid Backlash Over Cheating Rumors

    June 24, 2025

    Sarah Jessica Parker Carrie Bradshaw Role: Why She Found Playing the Role So Emotionally Draining

    June 23, 2025

    Exes Megan Fox and MGK Unveil Their Baby Girl’s Name Following ‘Celestial Seed’ Mix-Up

    June 20, 2025

    Jessica Alba Paid Tribute to Estranged Husband Cash Warren on First Father’s Day After Their Split

    June 19, 2025

    King Charles’ Father’s Day Message 2025: Subtle Nod to Prince Harry Sparks Speculation of Royal Reconciliation

    June 18, 2025
  • Relationships

    Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge Revisit Lavish Wedding Venue Amid Backlash Over Cheating Rumors

    June 24, 2025

    Sarah Jessica Parker Carrie Bradshaw Role: Why She Found Playing the Role So Emotionally Draining

    June 23, 2025

    Exes Megan Fox and MGK Unveil Their Baby Girl’s Name Following ‘Celestial Seed’ Mix-Up

    June 20, 2025

    Jessica Alba Paid Tribute to Estranged Husband Cash Warren on First Father’s Day After Their Split

    June 19, 2025

    King Charles’ Father’s Day Message 2025: Subtle Nod to Prince Harry Sparks Speculation of Royal Reconciliation

    June 18, 2025
  • Tips & Tricks

    Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge Revisit Lavish Wedding Venue Amid Backlash Over Cheating Rumors

    June 24, 2025

    Sarah Jessica Parker Carrie Bradshaw Role: Why She Found Playing the Role So Emotionally Draining

    June 23, 2025

    Exes Megan Fox and MGK Unveil Their Baby Girl’s Name Following ‘Celestial Seed’ Mix-Up

    June 20, 2025

    Jessica Alba Paid Tribute to Estranged Husband Cash Warren on First Father’s Day After Their Split

    June 19, 2025

    King Charles’ Father’s Day Message 2025: Subtle Nod to Prince Harry Sparks Speculation of Royal Reconciliation

    June 18, 2025
  • Celebrity Kids

    Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge Revisit Lavish Wedding Venue Amid Backlash Over Cheating Rumors

    June 24, 2025

    Exes Megan Fox and MGK Unveil Their Baby Girl’s Name Following ‘Celestial Seed’ Mix-Up

    June 20, 2025

    DDG Files Restraining Order Against Halle Bailey

    June 10, 2025

    Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s Divorce Timeline

    June 2, 2025

    Meryl Streep’s Daughter Louisa Jacobson Shares Her and Partner, Anna Blundell’s Plans for Valentine’s Day

    February 14, 2025
Subscribe
GistFestGistFest
Home » Alleged Eagle Killing Spree Discovered: Two Men Indicted for Black Market Sales
News

Alleged Eagle Killing Spree Discovered: Two Men Indicted for Black Market Sales

DunniBy DunniDecember 18, 20234 Mins Read
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Reddit Telegram Email
The Bald Eagle
Source: Pinterest
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

There are several protected birds in America and other countries worldwide. These birds are protected by laws prohibiting people from hunting, killing, or selling them on the market.

The Bald Eagle
Source: Pinterest

Guilty parties usually face court sanctions such as fines or even prison time. Regardless of these measures, some still go to extreme lengths to get their hands on such protected birds.

A grand jury has indicted two men for allegedly going on a “killing spree” of federally protected eagles and selling them on the black market. The two men, Simon Paul and Travis John Branson, were found guilty on multiple charges. The charges include one count of conspiracy and 13 counts of violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

Federal prosecutors had text messages as part of their evidence. In the texts, he admitted to “committing felonies” and informed buyers that he was ‘on a killing spree’ to get eagle tail feathers for more buyers in the future.

ALSO READ: Squadron of Pig-Like Creatures Attack Arizona Golf Course

According to the indictment, Branson traveled from Washington state to the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana. He eventually met up with Paul, who would “help kill, transport, and ship bald and golden eagles for future sales on the black market.”

Furthermore, documents show that Paul assumed the roles of a ‘shooter’ and ‘shipper’ of bald and golden eagles for his partner Branson. The court papers emphasized the symbolic importance of the bald eagle. It stated it is a bird of biological interest and “this country’s national symbol, reflecting America’s ideals of freedom.”

POLL—Do You Support Stricter Gun Control Laws and Assault Weapon Bans?

Also, the indictment alleged that the defendants killed approximately 3,600 birds, including eagles. The duo illegally sold them on the black market for significant sums of cash across the United States and other countries. According to government sources, the illegal activities transpired between January 2019 and March 2021.

However, the indictment did not specify how many of the 3,600 birds the defendants killed were protected. Last Wednesday, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Missoula declined to provide further information on the case. Regardless, it is already certain that the defendants had carried out several criminal activities over the years.

Many Americans believe that the black market trade of these protected birds is surprisingly thriving because some people act as enablers. Some people with money want to add some of these birds to an absurd private collection. There are also others who seek out parts of these birds, such as their feathers, for cultural or spiritual purposes.

ALSO READ: Are the Wolves Back? Here’s Why California Residents Are Worried

As of now, the defendants, who have not been arrested, are ordered to appear in court on January 8, 2024. Despite multiple attempts, Branson and Paul did not respond to NBC News requests for comment on Wednesday. So, for now, there’s no way to hear their version of the events for which they are being indicted.

If convicted, the top conspiracy count could lead to a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the defendants. The case has sent shockwaves through communities, raising concerns about the illegal trade in protected wildlife and the need for stricter enforcement to safeguard the nation’s symbols of freedom.

You Might Also Like This:

Florida Punishes Trans Student in Girls Volleyball

Academic Integrity Breach: Harvard Crimson Condemns President’s Plagiarism

The ATF Is Going After Homemade Gun Devices

John Oliver Ridicules Mike Johnson as ‘Anti-LGBT Bigot’ Over Shared App

Concerns Grow Over Food Affordability Amid Biden’s Economic Optimism

Court Kill Laws Protected birds
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleFlorida Punishes Trans Student in Girls Volleyball
Next Article Americans Aren’t Fazed By CDC’s Alarm on COVID Hospitalizations

Related Posts

Celebrity Kids

DDG Files Restraining Order Against Halle Bailey

June 10, 2025
Fashion

Cause of Death Revealed for Kylie Jenner’s Hairstylist Jesús Guerrero

June 5, 2025
Entertainment

Heidi Montag’s Wig at AMAs 2025 Sparks Online Criticism: Called ‘World’s Worst’ by Fans

May 30, 2025
Latest Posts

Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge Revisit Lavish Wedding Venue Amid Backlash Over Cheating Rumors

June 24, 2025

Sarah Jessica Parker Carrie Bradshaw Role: Why She Found Playing the Role So Emotionally Draining

June 23, 2025

Exes Megan Fox and MGK Unveil Their Baby Girl’s Name Following ‘Celestial Seed’ Mix-Up

June 20, 2025

Jessica Alba Paid Tribute to Estranged Husband Cash Warren on First Father’s Day After Their Split

June 19, 2025

King Charles’ Father’s Day Message 2025: Subtle Nod to Prince Harry Sparks Speculation of Royal Reconciliation

June 18, 2025

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom Facing Turbulent Times in Their Relationship

June 17, 2025

Teyana Taylor and Aaron Pierre Make Romance Official with a Kiss During His 31st Birthday Celebration

June 16, 2025

Miley Cyrus Opens Up About Healing ‘Messy’ Family Bonds After Years of Turmoil

June 13, 2025
About
About

We’re a news, entertainment and lifestyle hub that is dedicated to giving you quality insight on the latest lifestyle news, movie and TV news, celebrity news and lots more.

Contact us: info@gistfest.com

MOST POPULAR

Alina Nikitina: Everything We Know About the Russian Model

October 4, 2023

Jennifer Rauchet: Inside the Life of Pete Hegseth’s Wife

August 30, 2023

Jacob’s Ladder Piercing: All You Need To Know

July 21, 2023

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox!

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
  • Disclaimer
  • About us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contribute & Advertise with Us
© 2025 GistFest. All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.