Sentencing postponed for man who smuggled songbirds into Los Angeles in his pants

Sentencing delayed for LA songbird smuggler

LOS ANGELES — A man who smuggled songbirds into Los Angeles from Vietnam by hiding them in his pants had his sentencing postponed.

Sony Dong of Garden Grove was scheduled to be sentenced Monday in Los Angeles, but the hearing is now set for April 12.

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 and faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

Authorities say another 51 birds were found at the Garden Grove home of co-defendant Duc Le, who has pleaded not guilty to smuggling charges.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — 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.