U.S. Border Patrol Agent Arrested for Transport of Tanzanian Leopard Tortoises
15 April 2009
by Anai Rhoads
AnaiRhoads.org -- An investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Office of Law Enforcement lead to the arrested of a U.S. Border Patrol agent for violating the Lacey Act.
Border Patrol agent, Rene Soliz of Alice, Texas, plead guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Corpus Christi, Texas, for attempting to receive fifteen Tanzanian leopard tortoises that were transported into the U.S.
Leopard tortoises are listed in Appendix II of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. (CITES), which protects certain species of animals from over-exploitation. Although this particular list does not include near-extinct animals, it is designed to control the capture, purchase and sale to prevent the overburdening of the species in order to thwart possible extinction.
In some cases, international trade is accepted provided the individual or group has the necessary export permit from the exporting country. Soliz did not obtain a permit and the Tanzanian leopard tortoises were subsequently seized.
"Soliz traded in a threatened tortoise species in violation of laws, designed to protect wildlife from extinction," said John C. Cruden, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division, "Today's guilty plea affirms the Justice Department's intention to investigate and prosecute individuals who choose to undermine federal wildlife laws and contribute to the endangerment of protected species."
In March 2006, Soliz made a deal with an individual in Dar-Es Salaam, Tanzania, who was selling leopard tortoises. Soliz requested eight of the tortoises and told the man that he will purchase more at a later date as part of an extended business relationship.
The following month on April 7, U.S. Customs inspector at John F. Kennedy International Airport intercepted a package that had "50 Live Scorpions" written on it. When the U.S. Fish and Wildlife inspector opened the package, he discovered the leopard tortoises. Fourteen tortoises were found alive, with one dead.
As part of the pleas agreement, Soliz has resigned from his position as a U.S. Border Patrol agent. Soliz faces a 12-month prison sentence and a $100,000 fine.
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