A Houston man was arrested and charged for allegedly trafficking boots made of endangered sea turtle skin across the Mexico border, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Alejandro Hernandez, 31, is accused of operating an online store used to advertise custom boots made from sea turtle skin. He claimed the boots were handmade in Guanajuato, Mexico, the department of justice said in a Wednesday news release.
Hernandez could not be reached for comment. Online court documents related to the case were not immediately available Thursday.
A five-count indictment alleges Hernandez smuggled and conspired to smuggle the boots into the United States. He is accused of illegally selling them and sending the boots through the mail, according to the Department of Justice.
Federal prosecutors assert Hernandez caused the sea turtle skin boots to be imported from Mexico. He allegedly sent the boots to at least one customer in Houston.
If convicted, Hernandez could face up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Fish and Wildlife Services is investigating the case.
Marine turtles have been exploited for their meat, eggs, shells and skin since the 18th century, according to an Arizona State University study.
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