Milwaukee man pleads guilty to falsely labeling illegal wildlife parts

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – A Milwaukee man pleaded guilty to falsely labeling illegal wildlife parts that he imported from the United Kingdom.

Under a plea agreement, 37-year-old Chao Thao acknowledged that he sought out and imported three taxidermized feet of black rhinoceros. Thao had the shipment falsely labeled as “antique ornaments” to avoid detection by U.S. authorities.

Black rhinoceros is one of the most endangered species in the world. They are protected under U.S. and international law.

Thao’s offense carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The sentencing is set for April 26.