A man from Cusick, Washington, is set to be sentenced in federal court for his involvement in a wildlife trafficking ring that operated on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana and other locations. Court documents reveal that the man, identified as Travis John Branson, played a role in the killing of at least 118 eagles to sell their feathers and body parts on the black market.
Prosecutors allege that Branson made substantial profits, ranging from $180,000 to $360,000, between 2009 and 2021 by illegally selling bald and golden eagle parts. The court filing states that Branson would often take multiple eagles at a time and even went as far as hacking the birds into pieces to maximize his profits.
Eagle wings, tails, feathers, and other parts are highly sought after by Native Americans for ceremonial purposes. The prosecution is seeking a significant prison sentence for Branson, along with restitution totaling $777,250, which includes compensation for the killed eagles and hawks.
Branson's attorney disputes the prosecution's claims, arguing that the number of birds killed has been overstated. The defense also pointed out discrepancies in the estimated death toll provided by a co-defendant who remains at large.
Investigators uncovered evidence of the illegal killings through Branson's text messages, although the full extent of his actions remains unknown due to missing data. While Branson pleaded guilty to several charges, including conspiracy and wildlife trafficking, his attorney is advocating for a probationary sentence.
Bald and golden eagles hold significant cultural and spiritual value for many Native American tribes, making their protection a priority under U.S. law. Illegal shootings are identified as a major threat to golden eagle populations, according to government studies.
Members of federally recognized tribes can legally obtain eagle feathers and parts through designated repositories, such as the National Eagle Repository in Colorado. However, there is a substantial backlog of requests at these facilities.
Branson faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy, with federal guidelines recommending a term of three to four years. The sentencing is scheduled for September 18, where the court will determine the appropriate consequences for Branson's involvement in the illegal wildlife trafficking ring.
