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Pa. Man Pleads Guilty To Trafficking Protected Turtles To Canada

/ CBS Pittsburgh

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PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A Pennsylvania man has pleaded guilty to trafficking protected turtles.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania says David Sommers on Monday admitted to sending a package to Canada in 2014 containing 11 diamondback terrapin hatchlings.

Diamondback Terrapin
In this Dec. 16, 2014 file photo, baby diamondback terrapin turtles swim in a container at the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science in Manahawkin, N.J. Gov. Chris Christie faces a decision on legislation to protect a native New Jersey turtle known for living in salty marshes along the coast and sometimes falling victim to auto traffic during the shore's busy summer months. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry)

Sommers pleaded guilty to one felony count of violating the Lacey Act and agreed to forfeit nearly 3,500 diamondback terrapin hatchlings that authorities say he poached from coastal marshes in New Jersey. The Lacey Act bans trade in illegally obtained wildlife, fish and plants.

As part of the agreement, prosecutors will drop the remaining charges against him at his sentencing on May 15. He faces up to five years in prison.

Terrapins are prized in the reptile pet trade for their unique shell markings. The turtles are protected under New Jersey law and by international treaty.

(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

First published on February 4, 2019 / 5:21 PM EST

© 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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