(AP) — A Montana felon previously convicted of killing eagles to sell their parts on the black market was sentenced to three years in federal prison on Wednesday for related gun violations. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters in Billings sentenced Harvey Hugs, 60, after he pleaded guilty in September to being a felon in possession of firearms. A 2021 search of Hugs' home and vehicles found eagle parts, two rifles and ammunition, according to court documents. In 2012, he was sentenced in federal court in Montana to six months in custody for coordinating the illegal purchase of eagle feathers, tails and wings and two hawk tails, court documents show. Federal officials operate a clearinghouse that makes eagle feathers and other parts available to tribal members, authorized zoos and museums.

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Persons: Susan Watters, Billings, Harvey, Hardin, Edward Werner, Simon Paul Organizations: U.S, Prosecutors, Attorney's, Golden Eagle Protection Locations: Mont, Montana, Hardin , Montana, U.S, Rapid City , South Dakota