Man accused of selling feathers of protected birds

By Steve Kanigher

Monday, May 24, 2010 | 3:01 p.m.

A man who works as an announcer at Native American Pow Wow events is expected to appear today before a federal magistrate judge after being indicted on federal charges of unlawfully selling Native American costume clothing containing the feathers of federally protected bird species, Nevada's U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden said.

Terry Fiddler, who is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lawrence Leavitt, is charged with one count of selling a dance bustle (arrangements of feathers worn on the body) in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Fiddler is also charged with one count of selling a dance bustle in violation of the Lacey Act, one count of selling a war bonnet (headdress) in violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and one count of selling a war bonnet in violation of the Lacey Act.

The first three counts are misdemeanors and carry a penalty of up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. The fourth count is a felony and carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

On Jan. 24, 2008, according to the indictment, Fiddler allegedly sold a Native American dance bustle containing golden eagle, bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, and rough-legged hawk feathers. On Feb. 28, 2008, Fiddler allegedly sold a Native American war bonnet containing golden eagle, bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, and rough-legged hawk feathers. Fiddler allegedly sold the dance bustle and war bonnet in Las Vegas to special agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who were posing undercover.

Fiddler was arrested on April 29 in Rapid City, S.D., by Fish and Wildlife agents. He made an initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge in Rapid City on April 30 and was released on a personal recognizance bond.

This investigation is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Newman.