A man involved in a massive wildlife trafficking operation that led to the deaths of at least 118 eagles is set to face sentencing in federal court.
Travis John Branson, from Cusick, Washington, was part of a long-running scheme that trafficked eagle parts on the black market.
The ring, which operated in Montana’s Flathead Indian Reservation and other areas, allegedly resulted in the deaths of thousands of birds over more than a decade.
Branson, who is scheduled for sentencing on September 18, admitted to selling bald and golden eagle feathers, wings, and other parts, which are highly sought after for use in Native American ceremonies.
Prosecutors estimate that Branson made between $180,000 and $360,000 from these illegal sales between 2009 and 2021. He faces a potential prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of $250,000.
According to court filings, Branson’s role in the trafficking network was extensive, with prosecutors stating he would sometimes take as many as nine eagles at a time. Branson not only killed the birds but also butchered them into parts to sell for future profit. The illegal trade of eagle parts is strictly prohibited under U.S. law, with severe penalties for those who violate these protections.
Eagle parts, including feathers, are legally available to members of federally recognized tribes through the National Eagle Repository, but demand far exceeds supply. Many turn to the black market as a result, fueling illegal activities like those Branson was involved in.
Branson’s sentencing is expected to include a significant prison term and hefty restitution fines. Prosecutors are asking for $777,250 in total restitution, including $5,000 for each eagle killed and $1,750 for each of the 107 hawks involved in the case. Branson’s attorney, however, disputes the numbers provided by prosecutors, claiming they are inflated and not fully supported by evidence.
Much of the prosecutors’ claims come from Branson’s co-defendant, Simon Paul, who estimated that as many as 3,600 birds had been killed. Paul, currently evading capture in Canada, originally gave a lower estimate of around 1,000 birds.
Branson’s attorney also challenges the inclusion of hawks in the restitution calculation, stating they were not part of the initial indictment. Despite these disputes, investigators have gathered substantial evidence through recovered text messages and other communication between Branson and his accomplices.
Although two years’ worth of messages were not recovered, officials believe the scale of the bird killings is likely greater than the current documented figures.
This article by Trinity Sparke was first published by One Green Planet on 10 September 2024. Image Credit :Gerdzhikov/Shutterstock.
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