A Michigan man was sentenced to two years of probation for selling an artifact with eagle feathers.
Thomas J. Hampton, 56, pleaded guilty to selling a lance with more than 30 golden eagle feathers. A Wisconsin man paid $25,000 for the item and later tried to resell it for $38,000.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the lance dates to the appears to date back to the late 1700s. It was probably used Comanche or Kiowa warriors, according to the agency.
Federal law prohibits the sale, transport or taking of eagle feathers and eagle parts. Exceptions are allowed for members of federally recognized tribes who apply for a permit, though the permitting process is being disputed in a case in the 10th Circuit.
Get the Story:Man sentenced for selling artifact with eagle feathers (The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel 10/19)
Press Release: Michigan Antique Dealer Sentenced For Selling Eagle Feathers (USFWS 10/18) Eagle Feather Court Decision:
US v. Friday (October 16, 2006) Relevant Links:
Division of Bald Eagle Management - http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/baldeagle.htm
National Eagle Repository - http://www.r6.fws.gov/law/le65.html Related Stories:
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