Sentence Handed Down in Montana For Massive Eagle Trafficking Ring

*Editor's Note: This a follow-up to a story shared in December, 2025, when the individual involved entered a guilty plea.

In a case involving some 3,600 birds, a Texas man received probation and was ordered to pay restitution. Let's take a look at these outrageous transgressions.

BALD AND GOLDEN EAGLES AT THE FOREFRONT

According to a U.S Department of Justice press release, a Texas man who trafficked bald and golden eagles was sentenced Tuesday (May 5) to five years of probation and restitution in the amount of $77,500.00, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot.

John Patrick Butler, 71, pleaded guilty in December 2025 to one count of conspiracy, two counts of unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles, and one count of purchasing eagles and eagle parts that had been killed illegally, in violation of the Lacey Act.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.

READ MORE: Why Release of Two Golden Eagles in Montana is Historic

ACCUSATIONS AND DISTURBING CONVERSATIONS

The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement uncovered messages from co-defendant Travis John Branson and others describing the illegal taking of eagles by stating he was  “Out here committing felonies,” and telling buyers he was “on a killing spree” to obtain eagle tail feathers for future sales.

Co-defendant Simon Paul, Branson, and others, hunted and killed eagles on the Flathead Indian Reservation and elsewhere. In total, approximately 3,600 birds were killed, including eagles. They then illegally sold the eagles on the black market for significant sums of cash across the United States and elsewhere.

The killing of eagles is fueled by individuals willing to purchase the eagles on the black market. John Patrick Butler was one of those purchasers and he requested the killing of specific types of eagles. For example, Butler inquired of Branson, “Did you ever see any crispy ones yet?”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted the investigation.