“It serves as a reminder that not only will offenders be prosecuted, but that they will be punished for their violation, and, in the process, threatened species such as the Fanihi will be protected. Thus, violations of the Endangered Species Act, whether involving fruit bats, turtles, or other wild or marine life, will be prosecuted, and offenders will be held accountable,” Limtiaco said in a statement.
On Tuesday, U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona imposed a 90-day prison term on Mendiola, followed by six months’ supervised release. He was also ordered not to possess a firearm and will be required to perform 100 hours of community service.
Jurors convicted Mendiola last May for unlawfully possessing Mariana fruit bat.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted the investigation with assistance from other federal agency partners, including the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife also provided critical assistance during the investigation and prosecution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk W. Schuler prosecuted the case.
