Men arrested for sale of eagle parts

PORTLAND — Federal fish and wildlife agents have arrested four men following an investigation into the illegal killing and trafficking of parts of eagles and other protected birds. The U.S. Department of Justice identified the four as Ricky Sam Wahchumwah of Granger, Wash., Alfred L. Hawk Jr. of White Swan, Wash., William Wahsise also of White Swan, and Reginald Dale Akeen also known as J.J. Lonelodge of Anadarko, Okla. Akeen was arrested on a complaint filed in the District of Oregon. Enrolled members of federally recognized Indian tribes can get permits to possess eagle parts for religious purposes, but the parts cannot be sold. The National Eagle Repository collects eagles that die naturally or by accident and makes parts available to tribal members.