Owner of Dallas mystic shop sold illegal dried hummingbird carcasses, officials say
.jpg "The owner of a Dallas mystic shop is facing up to five years in prison after she admitted to selling dried hummingbird carcasses in violation of federal law, officials said.")
The owner of a mystic shop in Dallas faces up to five years in prison after she admitted to selling dried hummingbird carcasses in violation of federal law, U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox announced in a news release.
Cynthia Macias-Martinez, 48, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to the sale of wildlife restricted under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, officials said in the release. The dried carcasses, known as “chuparosas,” are often used as amulets or charms by those who believe them to have mystical or supernatural qualities.
In some Mexican cultures, the dried birds are akin to a rabbit’s foot, bringing good luck in love, according to a story on the “Black Market Hummingbird Love Charm Trade” in National Geographic.
Unless a person has a valid permit or authorization, it’s illegal to possess, transport or sell a hummingbird — a migratory bird — or its parts, nests or eggs, according to the news release. Macias-Martinez admitted in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas to possessing and selling dozens of dried hummingbird carcasses of different species, according to the release.
Macias-Martinez stated they had been smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico before she sold them in her store without authorization.
The name of her store wasn’t included in the release.
In addition to five years in prison, Macias-Martinez faces a $250,000 fine as well as restitution for her crimes, according to the release. Officials haven’t yet set her sentencing date.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Internal Revenue Service and Homeland Security investigated the case, according to the release.
This story was originally published August 22, 2020 at 2:34 PM.
