Six in Fla. Charged in Illegal Bird Sales

MIAMI – Six people were charged Monday with trafficking in protected species of migratory birds, after one man was caught with two rare Cuban songbirds hidden in his underwear at the airport, officials said.

The suspects, named in a 21-count indictment unsealed Monday, were charged with illegally dealing in protected species of migratory birds, including indigo and painted buntings, blue grosbeaks and Northern cardinals.

The six sold the birds from October 2004 to July 2005, violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the U.S. Attorney’s office said. The defendants allegedly sold the birds almost every Sunday at an informal market for many months during the investigation.

Among the suspects was Giraldo Wong, who prosecutors said was discovered with two Cuban grassguits in his underwear at the Miami International Airport after he returned from Cuba in May.

Three of the defendants were arrested Sunday at the bird market, while two others were arrested at their homes. One remains at large.

If convicted, the suspects face up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the trafficking counts.

Wong also was charged with attempting to import undeclared wildlife and making false statements on a Customs Service Declaration form.