Washington timber cutters, mill owner indicted for theft of maples from national forest

SEATTLE -- Three Washington timber cutters and a mill owner have been indicted on charges of theft and environmental crimes for cutting down Big Leaf Maple trees in a  national forest, U.S. Attorney Annette Hayes announced Thursday.

Wood buyer Harold Clause Kupers, 48, of Winlock, Wash., and his mill company, J & L Tonewoods, are charged with receipt of stolen property and seven violations of the Lacey Act, which prohibits trafficking in "illegal" wildlife, fish and plants.

The three tree cutters -- Ryan Justice, 28, of Randle, Wash.; James Miller, 36, of Morton, Wash.; and Kevin Mullins, 56, of Packwood, Wash. -- are charged with theft of government property and damaging government property.

The are accused of illegally harvesting maple trees in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in 2011 and 2012.

"The trees in our national forests belong to all Americans and should not be chopped up to enrich a few," Hayes said. "In this case a beautiful and valued resource that is home to endangered species was felled with some parts just discarded on the forest floor."

She said the men sought out "figured maple" that is particularly valuable for musical instruments.

Violations of the Lacey Act are punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The other charges are punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.