Smithsonian Head Guilty in Feathers Flap
From Times Wire Reports
The head of the Smithsonian Institution pleaded guilty to a federal misdemeanor for buying South American headdresses that had feathers from endangered birds. A judge in Raleigh sentenced him to probation.
Lawrence M. Small’s attorney said Small didn’t realize it was illegal to own the headdresses because they had previously been displayed legally at two museums that had special permits.
“He did not make the connection that museums can do this, but individuals can’t,” attorney Judah Best told the court.
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