2 men indicted in Calif. on charges of smuggling ivory from endangered African elephants to US

2 men indicted in Calif. for ivory smuggling

LOS ANGELES — Two men have been indicted in California on charges of smuggling ivory from endangered African elephants into the United States.

Samart Chokchoyma of Thailand is accused of selling the ivory on eBay to Moun Chau of Montclair, Calif.

Prosecutors in Los Angeles said Tuesday that both men are charged with violating an international treaty that protects endangered species. Prosecutors say investigators seized ivory specimens from a business owned by Chau in Claremont.

Chokchoyma was arrested in November by Thai authorities and faces charges under Thai law.

A spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office says authorities will monitor that case. Chau will be summoned to appear for arraignment next month.

A phone number on a Web site under Chau’s name is disconnected.