Washington Man Pleads Guilty to Eagle Trafficking on Reservation
Travis John Branson admits to killing over 3,600 birds, including bald and golden eagles, for black market sales.
Overview
- Branson pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy and wildlife trafficking for killing eagles on the Flathead Indian Reservation.
- The illegal operation, running from 2015 to 2021, involved selling eagle feathers and body parts across the U.S.
- Branson and co-defendant Simon Paul, who remains at large, trafficked eagles or their parts on at least 11 occasions.
- Federal law enforcement's crackdown on wildlife trafficking highlights a persistent illegal trade in eagle feathers.
- Branson faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine; sentencing is scheduled for July 31.