Adrian Mendiola, David Santos, and Albert Taitano appeared before visiting Nevada Judge Philip M. Pro yesterday morning.
The three were charged with violations of Endangered Species Act, Lacey Act, and forfeiture.
The incident occurred on or about Nov. 1 to Dec. 19, 2008, the indictment stated.
The federal government is asking the court to forfeit the Mariana fruit bats seized from the residence of Mendiola; the freezer located at the residence of Mendiola; a Mossberg .410 shotgun seized from Santos’ residence; and a Remington .410 shotgun seized from Taitano’s residence.
Mendiola denied the charges yesterday while the arraignment for Santos and Taitano was scheduled for today.
The federal government, represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Benedetto, moved for the defendants’ release on their personal recognizance with conditions, which the court granted.
Also presented during yesterday’s hearing was George Phocas of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The defendants were ordered to refrain from going near within one mile of, or firing a weapon at, any fruit bat colonies, on top of other pretrial release conditions.
Mendiola was represented by attorney Ramon Quichocho while the court said it will appoint defense counsels for Santos and Taitano.
