U.S.
Department of Justice
United States Attorney
Northern District of Texas
1100
Commerce St., 3rd Fl.
Dallas, Texas 75242-1699
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DALLAS, TEXAS
CONTACT: 214/659-8707 NOVEMBER 20, 2003
United States Attorney Jane J. Boyle announced that Dallas resident, Donald
W. Jones, was charged yesterday in a federal information with transportation
of wildlife taken and possessed in violation of law, in violation of 16
U.S.C. §§ 3372(a)(1) and 3373(d)(2). If convicted, Jones faces
a maximum statutory sentence of one year imprisonment and a $100,000 fine.
Jones, age 48, will appear before United States District Judge Jerry Buchmeyer
on December 12, 2003 for his arraignment.
The
information charges that on November 14, 2003, Donald W. Jones knowingly
transported various species of migratory birds, including a whooping crane,
a Gadwall, a blue-winged teal and a northern shoveler, when he should
have known that the wildlife was taken and possessed in violation of law,
specifically the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, whooping cranes are also
listed as endangered under federal law. The crane recovered from Jones
is believed to be one of four spotted in the Lake Bardwell area, south
of Dallas, during the week of November 10. The bird was apparently shot
late Friday, November 14. Biologists believe that the three remaining
birds left the area Sunday, resuming their annual migration south for
the winter. There are an estimated 318 wild whooping cranes within the
United States. The other waterfowl in Jones? possession ? Gadwall, blue-winged
teal, and northern shoveler ? are species that can legally be hunted during
the waterfowl season in Texas. That season, however, was not open when
the birds were killed.
"Waterfowl hunters have many opportunities each year to enjoy a resource
that belongs to all Americans, and most do so within the boundaries set
by federal and state regulations," said Special Agent in Charge of
Law Enforcement Richard McDonald. "But there are specific times set
aside for hunting and no open seasons at all for whooping cranes,"
McDonald continued.
"We hope that the charges in this case remind hunters and the public
of our shared responsibility to conserve the Nation?s migratory birds,"
added H. Dale Hall, Southwest U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional
Director.
"The law enforcement partnership between the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife led to the quick apprehension and resolution to this phase of the investigation," said McDonald.
"I'm proud of our game warden, who just graduated from our academy five months ago. He did a thorough job while checking this duck hunter and discovered this whooping crane. We are pleased to be working on this case with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service," said Col. James Stinebaugh, director of law enforcement at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
The case is being investigated by agents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and game wardens with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark D. McBride
Journey North is pleased to feature this educational adventure made possible by the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP).
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