A Texas resident, John Patrick Butler, 71, has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the illegal trafficking of bald and golden eagles. The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.
Butler admitted guilt to one count of conspiracy, two counts of unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles, and one count of purchasing illegally killed eagles and eagle parts in violation of the Lacey Act. He could face up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
The case was overseen by U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto. Sentencing will be determined by U.S. District Court Judge Dana L. Christensen on April 7, 2026. Butler has been released under conditions while awaiting further proceedings.
According to court documents presented by the government, law enforcement discovered messages from co-defendant Travis John Branson discussing the illegal killing of eagles for profit. Branson described being “out [here] committing felonies” and referenced a “killing spree” aimed at obtaining eagle tail feathers for future sales.
Investigators found that Branson, Simon Paul, and others hunted and killed approximately 3,600 birds—including bald and golden eagles—on the Flathead Indian Reservation and other locations. These birds were then sold illegally across the United States for significant amounts of money.
Prosecutors stated that demand from buyers like Butler drove the continued killing of eagles for black market sales. Butler specifically requested certain types of eagles from sellers; in one message he asked Branson: “Did u ever see any crispy ones yet?” Payments were made via PayPal and other online methods in exchange for mailed shipments containing eagle parts sent from Montana to Humble, Texas.
Evidence showed that between November 2020 and March 2021 Butler made several purchases:
- On December 14, 2020: paid $450 through PayPal for two tail feather sets (one golden eagle set and one bald eagle set).
- On December 17: received a photo from Branson showing a golden eagle tail set; paid $300 via PayPal.
- On December 28: sent $750 for two golden eagle tails; confirmed receipt on January 4.
- On January 7: purchased two more golden eagle tail sets with a payment of $900.
- On March 1: bought two additional golden eagle sets after reviewing photos sent by Branson.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randy Tanner and Ryan Weldon prosecuted the case following an investigation led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act was passed in 1940 to safeguard America’s national symbol—the bald eagle—and extended in 1962 to protect golden eagles as well.
