California couple infringes on airplane chatting leads to animal trafficking in bust
A California couple learned the difficult ways to discuss travel plans with strangers, which can have dire consequences, especially when these plans involve transporting the remains of protected sea turtles in their carry-on luggage.
More than a year ago, two officers from California Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) were flying back to Northern California from San Diego, wearing plainclothes and talking to a nearby couple who were sitting discussing hunting.
During the conversation, the couple admitted that they were carrying turtle skulls from the East Coast in their luggage. They also mentioned illegal hunting of mountain lions in California, a particularly protected species, and told officers about a relative’s “trophy room” filled with animal-specimenized mountain lions, wolverines and other animals.
After the flight, CDFW officers requested the sight of the turtle skull. The couple waited until TSA officials didn't move forward and pulled out of their coats from their carry-on bags. The skull belongs to the green turtle, an endangered species that is illegal or transportable.
Within two days, officers obtained a search warrant for the couple’s home in Chico and their home in Napa County. When they searched for the Chico home, they found the couple dealing with the deer that was illegally killed that day. The deer season is closed and they have no permission.
At home, wildlife officers also found mountain lion claws, a ringtone cat, a sitting barn owl and several deer without proper labels. Ringtail Cats is a fully protected species in California and possessing parts that are not in state and federal licenses that carry raptors or raptors are illegal.
In a home in Napa County, authorities found two comprehensive animal specimen mountain lions and a wolverine, both illegal in California. All animals are considered evidence.
“This case shows that it is crucial for our wildlife officials to remain vigilant at all times,” CDFW law enforcement director Nathaniel Arnold said in a statement. “Just like humans and narcotic trafficking, wildlife trafficking in live animals and animal parts is known to fund transnational criminal organizations and their violence around the world.”
Byron Lee Fitzpatrick, 24, and Shannon Lee Price, 28, were convicted of violating the state wildlife law and sentenced to one year probation, banning them from hunting or dating with hunters, and fined $1,865 and $1,015. They face an additional $1,000 violation of federal wildlife laws.
Harry Vern Fitzpatrick, 64, pleaded guilty in Napa County, possessing a protected species and was placed on a six-month probation case. He also received a $605 fine and confiscated his illegal collection.
According to a 2023 report by rating company Moody's, global wildlife trafficking is the third largest illegal trafficking in the world, second only to drug trafficking and counterfeit food. The report says the United States is the “source, destination and transportation location” for illegal trafficking of wildlife and animal products.
