Man Faces Sentencing for Eagle Trafficking Ring

A man from Cusick, Washington, identified as Travis John Branson, will be sentenced in two weeks for his involvement in a long-term wildlife trafficking network that targeted bald and golden eagles in the western US. Prosecutors say text messages show Branson helped kill at least 118 eagles over a 13-year period, earning anywhere from $180,000 to $360,000 by selling their feathers and body parts.

Prosecutors have urged Judge Dana Christensen to issue a significant prison sentence and demand restitution of $777,250, which they calculated based on the number of eagles and hawks he and his co-conspirators are said to have killed. Two years of his text messages were not recovered; as such, prosecutors say "the full scope of Branson's killings is not captured."

Branson's attorney has disputed the figures, which he said were exaggerated, and branded restitution for hawks as unnecessary since those birds were not mentioned in the grand jury indictment. The defense is pushing for probation. Branson pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy, wildlife trafficking and two counts of trafficking federally protected bald and golden eagles. The conspiracy charge carries a prison term of up to five years.