Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melanie K. Pierson (619) 546-7976
and Michelle L. Wasserman (619) 546-8431
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY - Sept. 18, 2017
SAN DIEGO - A second man, Perris resident Eriberto Paniagua, has been charged in the smuggling of a Bengal tiger cub into the United States from Mexico on Aug. 23, 2017.
Paniagua, who allegedly told officials at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry that the Bengal tiger cub at his feet was merely a “cat," was indicted by a federal grand jury and made his first court appearance today.
According to the indictment unsealed today, Paniagua conspired with the driver of the car, Luis Valencia, and others to knowingly import a tiger cub into the United States. Both defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of smuggling contrary to law.
All species of tigers are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and are protected under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. To legally import an endangered species into the United States requires a permit from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the importation must be accompanied by a Declaration Form 3-177 filed with Fish & Wildlife.
The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is the most populous subspecies of tiger. The Bengal tiger is native to India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. According to the World Tiger Recovery Project, there are only 2,500 wild specimens on earth and the population of Bengal tigers is decreasing.
During today’s arraignment, Paniagua was released on a $25,000 personal surety bond and ordered to appear for a motion hearing/trial setting Oct. 16, 2017 at 2:00 pm before U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Battaglia.
DEFENDANTS Criminal Case No. 17CR2856-AJB
Luis Eudoro Valencia Age: 18 Perris, California
Eriberto Paniagua Age: 21 Perris, California
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 371
Maximum penalty: 5 years’ prison, fine of $250,000
Smuggling/Importation Contrary to Law, 18 U.S.C. § 545
Maximum penalty: 20 years’ prison, fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss caused by the offense, restitution, forfeiture of proceeds generated from the, five years of supervised release.
AGENCIES
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Homeland Security Investigations
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
