Local News in Brief : Endangered Species Violations Charged

The Los Angeles city attorney’s office filed misdemeanor charges Thursday against the owner of a North Hollywood store accused of dealing in the skins and carcasses of endangered wildlife, including grizzly bears and moose.

Charged in an 11-count complaint with violating the California Endangered Species Act were David Stoffers, 46, of North Hollywood, principal owner of Arte De Mexico, 5356 Riverton Ave., and salesman David Seligman, 38, of Santa Monica.

Similar charges were brought against operators of the Marble Canyon Trading Post in Venice.

During a March 24 raid, which culminated a four-month undercover investigation, state and federal investigators seized an array of stuffed wildlife at the store, including a nine-foot-tall grizzly bear, said City Atty. James K. Hahn.

Among other items allegedly seized were mounted heads of black bear, elk, deer, caribou, bighorn sheep and moose, numerous margay pelts and stuffed birds. Investigators believe most of the pelts and stuffed wildlife were brought into the country from Mexico.

“All of these species are in danger of being wiped out by hunters who are slaughtering our vanishing wildlife to fill the orders of stores like Arte De Mexico and Marble Canyon,” Hahn said.

Arraignments are scheduled for Sept. 15 in Municipal Court. Each of the charges is punishable by one year in jail and fines up to $5,000, Hahn said.