NEW YORK – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York County District Attorney’s office convicted a Rockland County man for illegally selling elephant ivory. The joint investigation started in the summer of 2020.
On February 8, Kenneth Kerner was convicted of a class D Felony for illegal ivory commercialization of over $25,000. The total value of the ivory he was selling as pool cues was around $70,000.
The sentencing was for five-year probation, 200 hours of community service, $10,000 donation to a wildlife non-governmental organization, a $15,000 cash reimbursement for the DA’s office, and he must relinquish the three pool cues he was selling.
“I hope this serves as a message to other sellers of illegal ivory,” DEC Division of Law Enforcement Director Karen Przyklek said. “My Officers will investigate these cases thoroughly and ensure lawbreakers are held accountable.
New York’s Environmental Conservation Law states that the sale of ivory is illegal without a permit. The law on interstate ivory sales was strengthened in 2014, with higher penalties against buyers and sellers. The DEC has focused on the illegal ivory trade and protecting the elephant population.
“The fight to protect the world’s wild elephant population is ongoing,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “New York remains on the front lines of that fight as we bust the businesses that field the illegal ivory trade and promote […] the horrific and senseless poaching of these awe-inspiring animals.”
In May 2023, DEC announced an exhibit with the New York State Museum to display some of the seized ivory during undercover operations by DEC officers from 2015-2018.
