— A Washington state man who pleaded guilty to killing at least 118 eagles as part of a wildlife trafficking ring that operated on a Native American Reservation in Montana faces sentencing Thursday before a federal judge. The trafficking ring sold eagle feathers and parts on a black market that exploits high demand among tribal members who use them in powwows and other ceremonies. The defendant and others killed at least 107 hawks and as many as 3,600 birds overall, prosecutors said. It’s illegal to buy or sell eagle feathers or other parts. Branson made between $180,000 and $360,000 from 2009 to 2021 selling bald and golden eagle parts illegally, court records said.

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Persons: Travis John Branson of, Judge Dana Christensen, Branson, Andrew Nelson, Nelson, they’re, ”, “, Simon Paul, Paul Organizations: Attorney’s, U.S, U.S . West, U.S . Fish, Wildlife Service Locations: Mont, —, Washington, American, Montana, powwows, Travis John Branson of Cusick, Missoula, Nelson, Kalispell, Midwest, St, Ignatius , Montana, Canada, Colorado, Oklahoma, Arizona