Michigan man sentenced for selling eagle feathers

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) – A 21-year-old Manistee man has been sentenced to probation, community service and a $2,500 fine for illegally selling eagle feathers.

The Grand Rapids Press reports Timothy Clinton-Paul Oleniczak was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in Grand Rapids.

Oleniczak apologized in court.

Defense lawyer Ray Kent says Oleniczak is part American Indian. He says his client sold feathers given to him over the years because he was desperate for money with the birth of a daughter imminent.

Authorities said the feathers were sold to undercover officials with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, which worked with federal authorities on the case.

Oleniczak isn't a member of the tribe.

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Information from: The Grand Rapids Press, http://www.mlive.com/grand-rapids