NEW YORK: A man who arrived at Los Angeles International Airport with more than 1,000 dried insects in his luggage, including 150 endangered butterflies, pleaded not guilty Friday to federal charges.
Alexander Bic, 25, is charged with violating the U.S. Endangered Species Act in connection with the alleged attempt to import Ornithoptera — or birdwing — butterflies into the United States. The charge carries a possible federal prison sentence of up to 20 years, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana M. Kwok.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Victor B. Kenton set a June 16 trial date, which is expected to be postponed.
The vividly colored specimens were found by customs officers on April 7 at LAX, as Bic — an Irvine native — and his wife were returning from a trip to Japan, according to documents filed in Los Angeles federal court. Bic’s wife was not charged.
The dried and folded 5-inch butterflies from New Guinea were allegedly found among eight boxes of dead insects discovered in Bic’s carry-on and checked baggage, the document states.
Bic operates an Internet mail-order business in which he sells pinned and framed insect specimens to customers throughout the world.
The endangered birdwing species sells for upward of $100, the prosecutor said.
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