Dover Man Fined For Illegally Possessing Protected Birds

          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley today announced that Jeremiah S. Loui, 31, of Dover, New Hampshire was fined $1000 for the illegal possession of birds of prey protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and other federal laws.

          According to court documents and statements made during prior proceedings in the case, Loui bought and resold a taxidermied Accipiter gentilis, commonly known as a Northern Goshawk, on the Internet. He also sold or possessed 14 other taxidermied birds of prey protected under either the MBTA or a similar wildlife statute, the Wild Bird Conservation Act. Finally, Loui made false statements to a law enforcement officer investigating his offenses.

          Birds of prey, including the Northern Goshawk, play an important role in ecosystems here in the United States and across the globe. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to combat illegal conduct that promotes the taking of -- or trafficking in -- protected wildlife.” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.

          Loui previously pleaded guilty to violating the MBTA. As part of a plea agreement, Loui agreed to forfeit any interest he has in any of the fifteen protected birds.

          This matter was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with valuable support from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Morse prosecuted the case.

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