Poaching of 1,700 Protected Turtles Leads to Trafficking Charges in Arizona

Authorities allege that the turtles were poached in Florida and exported overseas using fraudulent captive-breeding claims.

An endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle, which was rescued in New England, and rehabilitated by the Audubon Nature Institute, sits in a produce box as it is transported to be released into the Gulf of Mexico, 24 miles off the coast of Louisiana, on Jan. 2, 2012. Gerald Herbert/AP Photo

A Louisiana man has been federally charged in an alleged turtle-trafficking scheme tied to the Asian exotic pet trade.

Albert Bazaar, formerly of Angie, Louisiana, remains in custody following his arrest and May 7 indictment in federal court in Phoenix.