Three Chicago Area Men Sentenced in Federal Court for Their Roles in Trafficking, Killing and Selling Protected Tigers and Leopards

The men charged last year for their roles in the illegal trafficking and killing of federally protected tigers, leopards and other exotic animals were sentenced today in federal court in Chicago. Ill. Kevin M. Ramsey, of Mason, Wis., Dr. Robert Martinez of Palos Heights, Ill., and Steven Galecki were among seven Illinois men and one exotic meat market indicted in May 2002 on numerous violations of federal animal protection laws.

Details of the sentences are as follows:

Dr. Robert Martinez a physician in Palos Heights, Ill., was sentenced to six months home detention, three years probation, and 300 hours of community service. He was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and pay $10,000 to the Fish and Wildlife Foundation