United States v. Sheldon Tree Top

KELLY, Circuit Judge.

In 2014, Sheldon Tree Top sold a single bald eagle feather to a confidential informant for $50. A week later, he sold 63 eagle feathers and several hawk feathers to the same informant for $80. Based on these purchases, the government charged Tree Top with two counts of selling eagle feathers, in violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, 16 U.S.C. § 668 (a), and one count of knowingly transporting, selling, or receiving protected birds, in violation of the Lacey Act, 16 U.S.C. §§ 3372 (a)(1) and 3373(d)(2). Tree Top pleaded guilty to selling eagle feathers;…