Man Pleads Guilty In Bird-Smuggling Case
LOS ANGELES (AP) ―
A man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy for his role in smuggling songbirds into the United States from Vietnam by hiding them in another man’s legs.
Last year, co-defendant Sony Dong pleaded guilty to illegally importing wildlife after authorities discovered 14 songbirds strapped to his legs on a flight from Vietnam to Los Angeles.
Duc Le entered the plea in federal court Monday. He faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced in June.
Last year, co-defendant Sony Dong pleaded guilty to illegally importing wildlife after authorities discovered 14 songbirds strapped to his legs on a flight from Vietnam to Los Angeles.
Authorities say the birds, which survived the trip, could have sold for up to $400 each.
The 34-year-old Le was arrested after investigators found 51 songbirds at his Garden Grove home.
Dong faces up to 20 years when he is sentenced April 26.
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