Two charged with selling feathers of endangered birds

Federal charges have been filed against two men, one from Lawrence, in connection with unlawfully selling feathers from protected eagles and hawks.

U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said Ruben Dean Littlehead, 38, of Lawrence and Brian K. Stoner, 32, of Ponca City, Okla., were charged in U.S. District Court at Topeka with violating the federal law that prohibits taking, killing or possessing protected migratory birds. The crimes were alleged to have occurred in Douglas County.

The indictment against the two, Grissom said, alleges that on Sept. 15, 2008, Littlehead sold a bustle made with 68 feathers from a golden eagle. It also says that on Nov. 22, 2008, Littlehead sold 11 tail feathers and a wing from a golden eagle; and that on Feb. 26, 2009, Littlehead and Stoner offered for sale parts of a bald eagle, a golden eagle, and a Crested Caracara (a Mexican eagle). They also are alleged to have sold a tail feather fan made from feathers of a bald eagle.

If convicted, the men face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count, Grissom said.

More:  http://cjonline.com/news/2013-03-06/two-charged-selling-feathers-endangered-birds