United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson has announced that a Miller, South Dakota man pled guilty and was sentenced for killing an endangered whooping crane.
According to the release: “Jeff Blachford, age 26, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 13, 2013 and pled guilty to one count of violating the Federal Endangered Species Act. Blachford was sentenced to $85,000 in restitution, 2 years of probation, and a $25 assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund. Blachford was additionally ordered to forfeit the rifle he used in the offense and is prohibited from hunting, fishing, or trapping anywhere in the United States for two years.”
Read the full report on the website of the Whooping Crane Conservation Association (WCCA).
It sure beats the $1 fine and probation! Nothing can replace the loss of a precious life, but the punishment may help deter others from engaging in similar inexcusable behavior.
that is so much better, hope it discourages others
At least sentences are beginning to approach the financial loss in raising of one of these birds, although they are so scarce that no financial compensation can make up for the damage losing one does.