Minnesota Man Sentenced for Unlawful Taking of Golden Eagle

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Wheaton, Minnesota, man convicted of Unlawful Taking of Golden Eagle was sentenced on August 23, 2021, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.

Richard Michael Grohs, age 69, was sentenced to three years of probation, three years no trapping, restitution in the amount of $10,000 to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.

Grohs was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2020.  He pled guilty on August 23, 2021.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred between April and May of 2018, in Roberts County, South Dakota, where Grohs was illegally trapping and snared a golden eagle resulting in its death.  

This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

Grohs was released following sentencing.