Olathe man admits to importing endangered Asian leopards, prosecutors say
An Olathe man pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawfully importing endangered Asian leopards, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas said in a news release Wednesday.
Lawrence E. Payne, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Endangered Species Act.
Authorities began investigating Payne after he applied for a license through the U.S. Department of Agriculture for breeding Asian leopards. Prosecutors said Payne admitted to importing the animals.
The leopards are considered to be an endangered species under federal law.
A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
Payne faces up to a year in jail and a fine up to $50,000.