In a shocking case of illegal wildlife trade, Usher Weiss, a 26-year-old resident of Borough Park, Brooklyn, pleaded guilty on Thursday to selling a taxidermied cougar head and various other exotic animal parts. The illicit transaction took place in the basement of a building in Borough Park on the night of November 2, according to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.
Weiss, who was apprehended by an undercover police officer, sold the cougar head for a sum of $900. Prosecutors revealed that during the same encounter, Weiss also offered the officer a cheetah head for $10,000. Subsequently, on December 5, Weiss arranged a second sale where he presented the officer with a taxidermied bird and seal. These actions violated wildlife conservation law, leading to his arrest.
Further investigation into Weiss’s activities uncovered additional illegal animal parts that he had purchased online. These included an elephant foot, a complete alligator, and a tiger skin. In an effort to combat the illegal wildlife trade, Weiss voluntarily surrendered these items to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in April.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez emphasized the importance of prosecuting such cases, stating, “We’re committed to stopping the illegal wildlife trade in our communities, and by prosecuting cases like this, we’re not just enforcing the law — we’re sending a strong message that protecting endangered species from harm is a priority.”
Weiss was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and was required to surrender additional animal parts as part of his plea deal. The guilty plea was entered in front of Brooklyn Criminal Court Judge Dale Fong-Frederick.
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This case of illegal wildlife trade highlights the importance of enforcing regulations and raising awareness about the consequences of such activities. It is crucial for authorities to crack down on individuals involved in the illegal trade of wildlife and exotic animal parts to protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity. Additionally, this case serves as a reminder for individuals to be cautious when purchasing wildlife products, ensuring that they are legally sourced and not contributing to the illegal trade.