JACKSON, Miss. - Marcus Tyler Cochran, 21, of Decatur, Mississippi, pled guilty in U.S. Magistrate Court on September 4, 2013, to shooting a mature bald eagle in violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, Luis Santiago, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Steve Adcock, Chief of Law Enforcement for Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
Cochran shot the bald eagle while duck hunting on the Nanih Waiya Wildlife Management Area in Neshoba County on Dec. 2, 2012. Following his guilty plea, Cochran was ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $2,500. He was also placed on probation for a period of two years, during which time Cochran will be prohibited from hunting in any manner or at any hunting camp or campsite at any time. In addition, Cochran was ordered to forfeit the firearm used in the commission of the offense.
“The protection of Mississippi’s wildlife, including the national bird of the United States, is a priority of the U. S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District of Mississippi," said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. “Today’s prosecution demonstrates that individuals who participate in the senseless killing of bald eagles and other migratory birds will be investigated, prosecuted and punished accordingly."
United States Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent in Charge Luis Santiago stated “We take our mission working with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and the citizens of Mississippi in conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats very seriously by investigating those who choose to violate state and federal laws. They undermine the proud tradition of hunting for all hunters."
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
