BRITISH MAN PLED GUILTY AND WAS SENTENCED FOR MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS RELATED TO IMPORTATION OF ILLEGAL WILDLIFE PRODUCTS

BIRMINGHAM, AL - A British man pled guilty and was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to one year probation for making false statements to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents. These statements allowed PAUL WILLIAM POWELL to ultimately import two pieces of Elephant ivory and one piece made of sea turtle through New Orleans and into Decatur, Alabama. These pieces were intended for resale by POWELL.

"Those who would in anyway attempt to defraud or violate our Customs laws should know that they will be investigated and prosecuted," states U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin. "This felony conviction should send a message to others who would take our Customs laws lightly."

POWELL, 59, a British citizen, was indicted in June 2006 for charges related to the importation of ivory and illegal wildlife products into the United States. According to the factual basis contained in the Plea Agreement, POWELL used a Decatur resident to assist in the importation of a shipping container through the Port of New Orleans. Through his contact with the Decatur resident and the ultimate shipment of that container into Decatur, POWELL attempted to resale the illegal wildlife products.

"Individuals who knowingly make false statements in an attempt to import or export merchandise contrary to U.S. Laws will not be tolerated," states Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Holt.

This matter was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Decatur Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Russell E. Penfield prosecuted this matter on behalf of the U.S. Government.