(Missoula) A Washington man suspected of conspiring to unlawfully kill bald and golden eagles on the Flathead Indian Reservation and then illegally sell them on the black market across the United States appeared for arraignment today on multiple charges.
The man, aged , 48, of Cusick, Washington, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with conspiracy, unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles and Lacey Act violations. If convicted of the most serious crime, Branson faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. The man appeared on a summons and was released pending further proceedings. His Co-defendant failed to appear on a summons, and the court ordered that a warrant be issued for his arrest.
