A man who smuggled more than 250 tortoises and turtles into Baltimore-Washington International Airport this summer was ordered by a federal judge yesterday to return to his native Argentina and to pay $2,400 in restitution.
Roberto A. Daverio, who has been held in the Baltimore City Detention Center, did not receive any additional jail time from U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis. In imposing the sentence, the judge noted Daverio's diabetic condition and his cooperation with prosecutors and investigators.
U.S. Customs inspectors and U.S. Fish and Wildlife agents found the Argentine "chaco" tortoises and spotted-bellied sideneck and snakeneck turtles hidden in a suitcase when Daverio stopped at BWI in August on a flight from Argentina to New York.
International trade law prohibits the exportation of the animals.
Daverio, who pleaded guilty to two felony counts, could have been sentenced to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.
Daverio's attorney told the judge that his client admitted to transporting the animals when customs inspectors asked. He said Daverio did not know he was committing a felony.
Daverio apologized for his actions through an interpreter. "I had no intention of transgressing the laws of the United States," he said. "I feel that it was a stupid act on my part, for which I am repentant."
Authorities believe the reptiles, all less than 4 inches long when they arrived, were destined for the wildlife black market.