Man sentenced for killing eagles, hawks

COEUR d'ALENE - A Plummer man was sentenced Tuesday to three years of probation and 300 hours of community service for violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

Visiting U.S. District Judge Terry J. Hatter Jr. also ordered Adrian Q. Brown-Sonder, 24, to pay $4,000 in restitution and to forfeit all hunting permits, tags, stamps and licenses during the term of probation. Brown-Sonder pleaded guilty to the charge on Tuesday.

According to the plea agreement, a confidential informant contacted Coeur d'Alene Tribal Police, who in turn contacted the FBI and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. According to U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson, the informant stated that Brown-Sonder killed eagles and other migratory birds.

Several witnesses were interviewed and explained that Brown-Sonder admitted to them that he had killed hawks and eagles. A search warrant at the defendant's residence resulted in the discovery of a large number of eagle and hawk feathers, as well as a wide array of bird skulls and feet.

Two bald eagles, two golden eagles, two rough-legged hawks, two red-tailed hawks, and two unspecified dark-morph hawks were identified by a morphology examination.

Brown-Sonder is prohibited from hunting and having possession of dangerous weapons during the term of his probation. The case was investigated by Coeur d'Alene Tribal Police, the FBI, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.