Powwow official sentenced for eagle feathers sale

LAS VEGAS (AP) – A 54-year-old powwow announcer has been sentenced to three years’ probation and ordered to repay $4,500 for selling feathers of a federally-protected immature golden eagle.

Terry Fiddler of Red Wing, Minn., was also sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Roger Hunt in Las Vegas to 100 hours of community service for his misdemeanor violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940.

Fiddler pleaded guilty in August to selling a feathered headdress for $3,000 in February 2008 to undercover federal fish and wildlife agents in Las Vegas.

U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden says Fiddler can only receive more eagle feathers through inheritance, the National Eagle Repository or for religious purposes.

He’s also required to notify authorities before attending future tribal powwows.