Man who smuggled songbirds into LA in his pants scheduled for sentencing
By APMonday, March 8, 2010
Songbird smuggler to be sentenced in LA
LOS ANGELES — A man who smuggled songbirds into Los Angeles from Vietnam by hiding them in his pants is facing up to 20 years in federal prison.
Sony Dong of Garden Grove is scheduled to be sentenced Monday in Los Angeles.
Dong was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport last March after arriving on a flight from Vietnam. Authorities found 14 birds he had wrapped in cloth and strapped to his legs and ankles. All survived the trip.
Authorities say they could have sold for up to $400 each.
Dong pleaded guilty to illegally importing wildlife.
Authorities say another 51 birds were found at the Garden Grove home of co-defendant Duc Le. The 34-year-old Le has pleaded not guilty to smuggling charges and is scheduled for trial in May.
