New York Man Charged With Felony For Selling Illegal Marmoset

Incase you did not know, you cannot sell a marmoset. Your first question might be, what is a marmoset? A marmoset is a very small monkey that typically lives in trees. Next question could be, who was trying to sell one?

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers made contact with an individual in Erie County who allegedly tried to sell officers a marmoset for $7,000. What happened to this person? More importantly, what happened to the marmoset? Here's what we know.

Get our free mobile app

On Thursday October 8th, according to a DEC press release, the DEC Division of Law Enforcement Bureau of Environmental Crimes Investigators responded to numerous reports of an individual in the City of Buffalo illegally offering a marmoset for sale.

Investigators first verified with DEC Special Licenses that the subject did not have permits to possess the animal and then conducted an undercover operation where plainclothes Officers met with the individual and agreed to purchase the marmoset for $7,000.

dec.ny.gov

Investigators charged the subject with the illegal commercialization of wildlife, a class E felony, following the sale. The marmoset was transferred to a licensed primate sanctuary to receive appropriate care. Charges are returnable to the City of Buffalo Court.

According to the New York State Senate, illegal commercialization of wildlife as a class E felony applies when the market value of the wildlife or parts exceeds $1,500. Under New York Penal Law, a class E felony carries a potential prison sentence of up to 4 years, along with fines, probation, or other court-ordered penalties.