Montana Court documents have exposed a grand jury indictment against two men accused of embarking on a yearslong “killing spree” targeting federally protected eagles.
Simon Paul and Travis John Branson are facing conspiracy charges for violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Reveals Disturbing Eagle Trafficking Scheme
The alleged crimes involve the killing and illegal sale of approximately 3,600 birds, including eagles, with authorities describing it as an egregious act against “this country’s national symbol.”
The indictment, filed last week, outlines a disturbing pattern of criminal activity spanning from January 2019 to March 2021. According to federal prosecutors, Branson and Paul collaborated in a chilling scheme that involved the intentional killing, transportation, and illegal sale of bald and golden eagles on the black market.
The court documents cite messages from Branson explicitly claiming to be “on a killing spree” while committing felonies and communicating with potential buyers.
Branson, hailing from Washington state, would reportedly travel to Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana to join forces with Paul, who played a role as the “shooter” and “shipper” of the birds.
The bald eagle, an iconic symbol of America’s ideals of freedom, was ruthlessly targeted for its tail feathers, which were then sold for significant sums of cash across the United States and beyond.
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Montana Residents Branson and Paul Ordered to Court
While the indictment did not specify how many of the 3,600 killed birds were protected under federal law, the charges underscore the gravity of the offenses committed against the nation’s cherished wildlife.
The court papers emphasize the symbolic importance of the bald eagle, stating that it is “not merely a bird of biological interest, but this country’s national symbol.”
The defendants, however, have not yet been arrested, but they have been ordered to appear in court on January 8. Branson, residing in Cusick, Washington, and Paul, from Ronan, Montana, have yet to respond to requests for comments.
The severity of the charges could result in significant penalties if the defendants are convicted. The top conspiracy count alone carries a potential punishment of up to five years in prison and with a $250,000 fine.
As the legal proceedings unfold, this case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by protected wildlife and the critical need for enforcement to safeguard these iconic species from exploitation and harm.
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