So he only plead to conspiracy, two counts of unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles and violation of the Lacey Act, which prohibits interstate trade in wildlife that has been taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of federal or state law. This feels like a plea deal.

In total, he faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release on the conspiracy and Lacey Act charges. He also faces up to one year in prison, a $5,000 fine, and one year of supervised release for the first conviction of unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles, a misdemeanor. Branson faces an enhanced felony provision, which applies to the second or subsequent convictions of unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles, of a maximum of two years in prison, a $10,000 fine and one year of supervised release.

His conspirator apparently has not been caught.