Irishman in US court over alleged rhino horn trafficking

An Irishman has come before a court in the US in connection with his alleged role in trafficking illegal black rhino-horns.

Patrick Sheridan was arrested on January 9th in the United Kingdom following a request by the United States. He was extradited on Friday and appeared in federal court in Waco, Texas, on Monday.

"This extradition is a significant step forward in our international efforts to address wildlife trafficking and demonstrates that our international partners are also committed to ending this illegal trade in endangered species," said assistant attorney general John C Cruden.

“Rhino horn trafficking is having a devastating effect on the rhino and the allegations facing this individual are just the type of illegal behaviour that is fuelling an international market for horns. We must stop it in its tracks,” he said.

The indictment names Mr Sheridan and two others including Michael Slattery Jr who was sentenced to 14-months in prison in January 2014 for trafficking black rhino-horns .

Mr Sheridan and his co-defendant are also charged with making a fictitious and fraudulent bill of sale in connection with the rhinoceros horns, in an attempt to make the illegal purchase of the horns appear legal.

Mr Sheridan’s arraignment and detention hearing is scheduled in federal court in Waco on September 24th, 2015. If convicted, the defendants each face up to five years in prison on each of the charges, as well as fines up to $250,000.