A jury trial is now underway in Juneau for four men accused of wildlife crimes allegedly committed during the transportation of animals and a series of hunts starting five years ago.
John Katzeek of Haines faces charges of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, violating the Lacey Act with false labeling or reporting, and smuggling goods into the United States.
Brian Hicken, Kenneth Cox, and Tyler Antel – all of Alberta, Canada – face charges of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and violating the Lacey Act with false labeling or reporting.
Katzeek was a former guide who allegedly assisted in the illegal taking of mountain goats, and the other three men were his clients who participated in his hunts.
Katzeek also allegedly imported two trophy Dall sheep using falsified documents.
A jury was seated in U.S. District Court at the Juneau Federal Building on Tuesday. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Burgess told prospective jurors that he expected the trial to last at least two weeks.
