Justiceface
Justiceface
May 28, 2026
Puerto rico

Five Individuals Plead Guilty to Migratory Bird Trafficking in Puerto Rico

On May 28, 2026, the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Puerto Rico announced that five individuals have pleaded guilty to violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The defendants, all residents of Puerto Rico, admitted to engaging in the illegal trafficking, capturing, and selling of protected migratory bird species.

Details of the Offenses

According to court documents, the individuals unjustly enriched themselves through the trafficking of various migratory birds. Their activities included:

  • Capturing and possessing migratory birds without authorization.
  • Illegally housing the birds in temporary facilities.
  • Offering the birds for sale through private internet chat groups.
  • Selling the birds to local purchasers.
  • Negotiating prices, receiving payments, and facilitating the trafficking of migratory birds within Puerto Rico and beyond.

The species involved in the illegal activities included:

  • Bahama Pintail ducks
  • Northern Pintail ducks
  • Black-bellied whistling ducks
  • Eastern spot-billed ducks
  • Blue-wing Teal
  • Canadian geese
  • Wood ducks
  • White-crowned pigeons

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

The defendants have entered guilty pleas as follows:

  • Héctor Rivera González: Pleaded guilty on May 22, 2026, to a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Sentencing is scheduled for August 7, 2026, with a potential sentence of up to two years in prison.
  • Ricardo Morales-Colón: Pleaded guilty on March 5, 2026, to conspiracy to violate the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2026, with a potential sentence of up to five years in prison.
  • Derline Cordero-Galloza: Pleaded guilty on March 26, 2026, to conspiracy to violate the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Sentencing is scheduled for June 29, 2026, with a potential sentence of up to five years in prison.
  • Ezequiel Muñiz-Salas: Pleaded guilty on March 5, 2026, to conspiracy to violate the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2026, with a potential sentence of up to five years in prison.
  • Edison Pérez-Collado: Pleaded guilty on April 23, 2026, to conspiracy to violate the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Sentencing is scheduled for July 9, 2026, with a potential sentence of up to five years in prison.

A federal district court judge will determine the final sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Official Statements

U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, stating that the defendants' actions undermined conservation efforts and violated federal laws designed to protect migratory bird species. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, conducted the investigation leading to these prosecutions.

For more detailed information, refer to the official press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Puerto Rico dated May 28, 2026.