United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Presho, South Dakota man has been indicted by a federal grand jury. Jeffery Jessop, age 50, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Jan. 16, 2013 for Unlawful Taking of Bald and Golden Eagles and Migratory Birds and Lacey Act Violations.
Jessop appeared before US Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on Jan. 29, 2013 and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 2 years of imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both; 1 year of supervised release and 1 additional year of supervised release upon revocation. Restitution and a $100 special assessment may also be ordered. The charges are merely accusations, and Jessop is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Fish and Wildlife Service and Assistant United States Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case. Jessop was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
