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

Sentencing set for California songbird smuggler

LOS ANGELES — A man could face up to 20 years in federal prison for smuggling songbirds from Vietnam into the United States by strapping them beneath his pants.

Forty-six-year-old Sony Dong of Garden Grove is scheduled to be sentenced Monday in Los Angeles.

He pleaded guilty last year to illegally importing wildlife after authorities at Los Angeles International Airport discovered 14 live birds strapped to his legs and ankles.

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

Investigators later found 51 songbirds at the home of Duc Le, who later pleaded guilty to conspiracy and faces up to five years when he sentenced next month.