Eagle feathers. Photo from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

A Native man from Canada has been cleared of federal charges in eagle feather case although he still faces a trial in the state of New York.

John P. Volpe was charged for possessing eagle feathers. But the case was dismissed at the request of the U.S. Attorney's Office.

“I believe the U.S. Attorney’s Office concluded that he was legitimate,” attorney George V.C. Muscato told The Buffalo News. His eagle feathers, however, weren't returned.

Members of federally recognized tribes qualify for an exception in eagle protection laws. Volpe is Ojibwe from the Nipissing First Nation in Ontario but he is not enrolled in a U.S. tribe.

The state of New York is still pursuing 190 charges against Volpe for violating wildlife laws. His trial was due to start on Tuesday but it's been delayed until June 1 at the earliest, the News reported.

Get the Story:
Court drops charges against Native American taxidermist (The Buffalo News 1/15)
Ojibway man’s native rights asserted (The Two Row Times 12/23)

DOJ Policy:
Memorandum: Possession or Use of the Feathers or Other Parts of Federally Protected Birds for Tribal Cultural and Religious Purposes (October 12, 2012)

Related Stories:
Ojibwe man from Canada charged for possession of wild animals (4/15)