A Texas man has now admitted his role in an illegal eagle trafficking operation that centered in Montana and stretched across the country. Federal prosecutors say the case reveals just how far some people will go and how much damage can happen when greed meets wildlife crime.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty in Eagle Trafficking Case
John Patrick Butler, a 71-year-old man from Humble, Texas, pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges tied to the illegal trafficking of bald and golden eagles. Those charges include conspiracy, unlawful trafficking, and purchasing eagles and eagle parts that were killed illegally, all in violation of the Lacey Act.
If sentenced to the maximum, Butler could face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release. A federal judge will decide his sentence, with sentencing scheduled for April 7, 2026. For now, Butler has been released under conditions while the case continues.
Disturbing Messages That Caught Investigators’ Attention
Court documents paint a disturbing picture of how casually some of this activity was discussed. Investigators uncovered messages from co-defendant Travis John Branson and others that openly referenced committing crimes, including statements about being “on a killing spree” to obtain eagle tail feathers for sale.
Butler wasn’t a passive buyer. Prosecutors say he requested specific types of eagles and even asked questions about their appearance before purchasing them.
Eagles Killed in Montana and Sold Nationwide
According to federal authorities, Branson, co-defendant Simon Paul, and others hunted and killed eagles on the Flathead Indian Reservation and in other locations. In total, an estimated 3,600 birds were killed, including bald and golden eagles. The birds were then sold on the black market for large amounts of cash. Those sales didn’t just stay local; the parts were shipped across the country and even beyond U.S. borders.
Paying Online and Mailing Eagle Parts Out of Montana
Prosecutors say Butler paid for eagle parts using PayPal and other online payment services. Once money changed hands, eagle parts, including tail feather sets, were mailed directly from Montana to Butler’s home in Texas…