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Man Accused of Violating Federal Law by Trying to Sell Hawks

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A 44-year-old New Mexico man is charged with violating a migratory bird law by allegedly trying to sell hawks without federal permission. Wayne Martin of the Cochiti (COH'-cheh-tee) Pueblo in Sandoval County pleaded not guilty Wednesday in federal court in Albuquerque. The indictment accuses Martin of violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act on Feb. 29, 2012. The law makes it illegal to possess, offer for sale, or sell migratory birds or parts or products of migratory birds. John Van Butcher, a federal public defender appointed to represent Martin, did not immediately return a call for comment on the allegations against Martin. The U.S. Attorney's Office says the case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. ___ The spelling of Cochiti has been corrected in this story.