Two of the indictments involve a total of 19 tigers (Panthera tigris), seven leopards (Panthera pardus), a snow leopard (Uncia uncia), and a barasingha (Asian swamp deer) (Cervus duvauceli), four species protected under the federal Endangered Species Act. Seventeen of the tigers and one leopard were allegedly killed, including some that were shot in cages in Alsi, Ill., and at an animal park in Crete, Ill. During the investigation, federal agents purchased and rescued at least six tigers and leopards, which otherwise were about to be killed.
The defendants include exotic animal exhibitors, taxidermists, "trophy" collectors and an exotic meat dealer, who allegedly bought tiger meat, mislabeled it as lion meat and sold it at his store in Lockport, Ill.
The indictments are the results of a lengthy investigation by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agents into the illegal trade of protected tigers, leopards and other animals in the Midwest. In May 1999, Fish and Wildlife agents executed six search warrants and conducted simultaneous interviews in 10 states, resulting in the seizure of a warehouse full of wildlife mounts, hides, skulls, bones, weapons and documents. Last November, five defendants were indicted in Missouri, and four defendants were indicted on federal charges in Michigan. Each of the eight new defendants will be arraigned at a later date in U.S. District Court in Chicago.
"The scope of this investigation demonstrates the depths to which some people will go to profit from endangered wildlife," said Bill Hartwig, Midwest regional director of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "It is disturbing to see such graphic examples that prove an animal is worth more dead than alive. The individuals who have been indicted should not be confused with sporstmen; there is no sport in shooting confined animals."
"These prosecutions attack the illegal commercialization of endangered species on all fronts from the suppliers to the ultimate consumers of the animals hides and meat," said Mr. Fitzgerald.
In one 28-count indictment, six individuals, including the owner of the Lockport meat business, and the business itself were charged with various misdemeanor violations of the Endangered Species Act -- which makes it unlawful to harass, harm, hunt, shoot, wound and kill, any endangered species, and felony and misdemeanor violations of the Lacey Act -- which makes unlawful to transport, sell, receive, acquire or purchase wildlife, including parts or products, that were taken, transported or sold in violation of federal law.
The defendants and charges in the indictment are as follows:
William R. Kapp, 36, of Tinley Park,Ill., who purchased such endangered species as tigers and leopards from exotic animal exhibitors and dealers; shot, killed, skinned, and transported them, and caused others to do the same; and transported and sold their hides and meat for profit. He was charged with conspiracy to violate the Endangered Species Act and the Lacey Act and 17 additional counts of violating either of those laws. In a separate indictment, Kapp was charged with possession of a silencer that was not registered and was not identified by a serial number, and which was seized from him during the execution of search warrant on May 5, 1999;
Kevin W. Ramsey 32, of Wisconsin and formerly of Oak Forest, Ill., a taxidermist who assisted Kapp in purchasing, killing, skinning, and transporting endangered tigers and leopards, and transporting and selling their hides and meat. He was charged with seven counts of violating wildlife protection statutes;
Steven Galecki, 32, of Crete, Ill., a licensed exotic animal exhibitor and dealer who owned and operated an exotic animal exhibition business called Funky Monkey Animal Park in Crete and who purchased endangered tigers and leopards, shot, killed, and skinned them, and caused others to do the same, and transported and sold their hides and meat for profit. He was charged with conspiracy and six counts of violating wildlife protection statutes;
Robert Martinez, 52, of Palos Heights, Ill., who shot and killed endangered tigers, leopards, and barasingha, and purchased from Kapp, Galecki and others their hides and skulls to be mounted and displayed as trophies. He was charged with five counts of violating wildlife protection statutes;
David C. Woldman, 45, of Lombard, Ill., who shot and killed wildlife, including an endangered tiger and purchased its hide and skull to be mounted and displayed as a trophy. He was charged with two counts of violating wildlife protection statutes;
Czimer
