Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs
Chinese national attempted to smuggle ivory falsely labeled as “wood carvings"
SHERMAN, Texas - A 44-year-old Plano, Texas man has pleaded guilty to negligently attempting to smuggle ivory carvings from the United States, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.
Shichen Wang pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor offense of negligent attempted transportation of wildlife sold in violation of law today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Amos L. Mazzant.
According to information presented in court, on April 19, 2011, Wang attempted to ship two elephant ivory carvings, daffodil flowers and a cylinder brush pot, in two separate packages that were addressed to two different locations in the Republic of China. Both of the packages were falsely labeled to describe their contents as “wood carvings" which is a violation of federal laws that protect specified species of wildlife. The packages were intercepted by wildlife inspectors who were inspecting International Express Mail packages that were consigned for export from the United States. An information was filed on Nov. 29, 2012, charging Wang with federal violations.
Wang faces up to one year in federal prison and a $100,000.00 fine.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, Fort Worth, Texas and Rosemont, Illinois Office and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Rosemont, Illinois Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. It is both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for its scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on its work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfws, follow its tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwshq, download photos from its Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq. #
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
