Minnesota Man Indicted for Unlawful Taking of Golden Eagle

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wheaton, Minnesota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Unlawful Taking of Golden Eagle.

Richard Michael Grohs, age 68, was indicted on October 14, 2020.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on November 2, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is one year in prison and/or a $100,000 fine, one year of supervised release, and $25 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

The Indictment alleges that between April and May of 2018, Grohs, without being permitted to do so, did knowingly and with wanton disregard for the consequences of his actions, take a golden eagle in Roberts County, South Dakota.

The charge is merely an accusation and Grohs is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

Grohs was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.