Bird Smuggler Could Get 18 Months
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
A smuggler of exotic birds faces up to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to trying to sneak 125 birds into the U.S., attorneys said.
Joel Valencia, 37, of Perris was arrested in August when border inspectors in San Diego found the birds stashed in boxes and bags in his pickup truck, according to court documents. He pleaded guilty Monday.
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