Orange County man pleads guilty in songbird-smuggling case

An Orange County man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy for his role in smuggling songbirds into the United States from Vietnam by hiding them in another man's pants.

Duc Le of Garden Grove entered the plea in federal court in Los Angeles on Monday. The 34-year-old man faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced in June.

Codefendant Sony Dong pleaded guilty last year to illegally importing wildlife after authorities discovered 14 songbirds strapped to his legs on a flight from Vietnam to Los Angeles.

Authorities say the birds could have been sold for up to $400 each. The birds survived the trip.

Le was arrested after investigators found 51 songbirds at his home.

Dong faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced April 26.

-- Associated Press

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A file photo provided by the Justice Department shows Sony Dong with songbirds strapped to his legs after being detained at Los Angeles International Airport. Credit: Associated Press

Comments

[Coolio]

Will the birds be auctioned off?

[Larry W]

20 Years for 51 birds at $400 each. Was it worth it guys?

[My bad]

I this was another picture of Lady Gaga's footwear.

[emanrollins]

20 years? But a child molester will get 3 months to a year and be free to become a repeat offender.

[AndreaU8]

Poor birds!

[Chris]

how about some animal cruelty violations?

[s]

Weird!

[Kyung]

So many selfish people in the world right now, included Mr Obama.

[jagexxx]

I believe these birds are not permitted in the U.S. because they are agricultural pests, so they most likely will not be auctioned.

[WMF]

Its part of the large black market of illegal wildlife. The government doesn't even know really how big this really is.

[nhatman]

my family is so much safer now that 2 bird smugglers are off the streets! why go after child molesters when these bird smugglers are obviously the scum of society.