Van Veenen had been convicted in a jury trial in Fairbanks on March 3, 1995 of two misdemeanor counts and four felony counts of the Federal Lacey Act for the illegal sale and export in foreign commerce of illegally taken wildlife.
Judge Holland sentenced Van Veenen to 12 months in prison on each of the two misdemeanor counts and 33 months in prison on each of the four felony counts. All jail time is to run concurrently.
When the prison term is completed Van Veenen will also be required to serve 1 year of supervised release on each of the two misdemeanor counts and 3 years of supervised release on each of the four misdemeanor counts, which is to run concurrently.
During the period of supervised release, Van Veenen is not allowed to operate as a guide or an outfitter.
Judge Holland also forfeited Van Veenens M-5 Maule Aircraft to the U.S. Government as well as 100 pounds of moose meat and a set of moose antlers seized during the investigation.
The investigation revealed that during the fall of 1992 German hunting clients of Van Veenens illegally took 1 moose, 4 caribou, and 1 beaver.
Three of the German clients had previously plead guilty to violations of the Lacey Act and had paid fines in Federal Court and forfeited their illegal wildlife.
The case was a result of a joint investigation between the State of Alaska, Fish and Wildlife Protection and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Law Enforcement.
For further information contact:
Mark A. Webb Senior Resident Agent In Anchorage, call: 786-3487
FWS
