Sentencing delayed for man who smuggled songbirds into Calif. by strapping them beneath pants

Sentencing delayed for Calif. songbird smuggler

LOS ANGELES — Sentencing was delayed Monday for a man who smuggled songbirds beneath his pants from Vietnam into the United States.

Sony Dong, 46, could face up to 20 years in federal prison at his scheduled sentencing June 21 in Los Angeles.

The Garden Grove man pleaded guilty to illegally importing wildlife after authorities at Los Angeles International Airport discovered 14 live birds strapped to his legs and ankles after a flight from Vietnam.

Authorities said the birds could have sold for up to $400 each.

Investigators later found 51 songbirds at the Los Angeles-area home of Duc Le, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy and could face up to five years when he is sentenced.

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