Crime & Safety

Encino Man Enters Plea in Wildlife Case

The man allegedly advertised on Craigslist last August to sell a canvasback, cinnamon teal and mallard -- stuffed and mounted -- in violation of a federal law.

By City News Service

An Encino man pleaded not guilty Friday to attempting to sell taxidermy mounts of migratory birds in violation of federal wildlife protection laws.

Michael Roy McIntire, 59, allegedly advertised on Craigslist last August to sell a canvasback, cinnamon teal and mallard -- stuffed and mounted -- in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, according to a criminal complaint filed in Los Angeles federal court.

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Undercover agents with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state Department of Fish and Game answered McIntire's ad and went to his home where they purchased two mounts for $280, according to an affidavit in the case.

The mallard, McIntire told the agents, was promised to another customer, prosecutors said.

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Once the sale was complete, the agents identified themselves and seized all three mounts.

McIntire entered his plea to the misdemeanor charge before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ralph Zarefsky, who set trial for Nov. 19.

If convicted, McIntire could face up to six months in prison. However, the case is expected to be resolved through a plea deal.

McIntire was one of six Southland residents charged last month as part of an undercover federal probe dubbed Wild Web, targeting sales of endangered species and animal parts through online auction sites such as Craigslist.


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