FILE - In this Aug. 23, 2017, file photo provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows an agent holding a male tiger cub that was confiscated at the U.S. border crossing at Otay Mesa southeast of downtown San Diego. A man who smuggled a Bengal tiger cub into California from Mexico has pleaded guilty to federal charges. Eighteen-year-old Luis Valencia of Perris entered the plea on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2017, in San Diego. He now faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The tiger cub was named Moka and now lives at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection via AP, File)
Republished December 06, 2017 - 6:26 PM
Original Publication Date December 06, 2017 - 1:51 PM
SAN DIEGO - A man who smuggled a Bengal tiger cub into California from Mexico has pleaded guilty to federal charges.
Eighteen-year-old Luis Valencia of Perris entered the plea on Tuesday in San Diego.
The 6-week-old cub was found on the passenger-side floor in Valencia's car in August at a San Diego border checkpoint.
Tigers are endangered and it's illegal to import them without a permit.
Valencia told authorities he obtained the animal as a pet but later acknowledged he was bringing it into the U.S. for commercial purposes.
He now faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
Another defendant is awaiting trial.
The tiger cub was named Moka and now lives at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
News from © The Associated Press, 2017