Presho man denies killing eagles

PRESHO — A Presho man pleaded not guilty Jan. 29 to an indictment charging him with the unlawful taking bald eagles, golden eagles and migratory birds, and Lacey Act violations.

Jeffery Jessop, 50, was indicted Jan. 16 by a federal grand jury on seven counts related to the alleged taking of protected eagles and birds.

Jessop faces a maximum of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release.

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.

Jessop was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.

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