FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2009
Contact:
USFWS RAC Pat Lund, 651-778-8360 x12
USFWS Chuck Traxler, 612-713-5313
EA 09-15
Four Metro Area Men Agree to Pay Fines For Illegally Smuggling
Migratory Waterfowl From South America to Minnesota
A joint U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources investigation led to the discovery that Robert J. Deeb, of West St. Paul; Nicholas Deeb, of Inver Grove Heights; and Raymond Deeb, of Eagan; illegally smuggled nine migratory waterfowl into the United States from Argentina. The fourth man fined was Jack Hanson, owner of Jack’s Taxidermy in Coon Rapids, who mounted the ducks for display knowing they had been illegally smuggled into the country. In total, the four men were charged with seven misdemeanor Federal Lacey Act violations and two misdemeanor violations of import regulations. The men paid fines totaling $10,775.
The case against the men began as a tip to the Minnesota DNR. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agents joined the investigation when it became apparent international smuggling was involved.
Investigators learned that on Aug. 19, 2008, Robert J., Nicholas and Raymond Deeb, along with another individual, returned from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to the United States. While in Argentina the men placed in their suitcases the salted skins from nine ducks they killed there. The men did not declare any wildlife on their U.S. Customs Declaration forms.
Upon their return to Minnesota, Robert and Nicholas Deeb took the smuggled waterfowl to Jack’s Taxidermy for processing. Jack Hanson admitted to federal agents that he knew it was illegal to accept and process these waterfowl, but did it anyway.
On Oct. 23, 2008, Minnesota DNR Conservation Officers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agents simultaneously interviewed members of the Deeb hunting party. Some of the hunters denied any knowledge of the smuggled birds while others eventually admitted the group intentionally smuggled the ducks they killed in Argentina.
On Dec. 16, 2008, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Resident Agent in Charge Patrick Lund and Minnesota DNR Conservation Officer Greg Salo met with Robert Deeb and his attorney. During the meeting, RAC Lund and CO Salo described the evidence that had been assembled during the investigation and charges that may be filed.
On Feb. 25, 2009, Deeb’s attorney surrendered the nine illegally imported waterfowl to RAC Patrick Lund. Lund then issued eight federal violation notices for Robert, Raymond and Nicholas Deeb; the Deeb’s attorney accepted the violation notices on their behalf. The following day Jack Hanson was issued a misdemeanor Lacey Act violation notice for knowingly accepting and processing illegal migratory birds. Each of the nine violation notices was paid by March 19.
“The important thing to understand for those that hunt abroad is that there is a right way and a wrong way to import hunting trophies,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Resident Agent in Charge Patrick Lund. “Smuggling wildlife is always the wrong way. It is the hunter’s responsibility to understand and follow the law.”
Information on wildlife laws and how to properly import and export wildlife can be found at: http://www.fws.gov/permits/
The waterfowl smuggled in this case were: two rosy-billed pochards, two ringed teal, two Brazilian teal, one white-faced whistling duck, one silver teal and one speckled teal; all of which were mounted in flying positions on driftwood by Jack Hanson. The mounts will likely be turned over to the Turn In Poachers, Inc., (TIP) program for public display and education.
Photos of the waterfowl can be found at: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/LawEnforcement/cityduck.html
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov
