Limerick man appears in US court on rhino horn charges

A 30-year-old Limerick man who was extradited to the United States to face allegations of trafficking endangered rhinoceros horns has appeared in court in Texas.

John Slattery, of Old Barrack View, Fairhill, Rathkeale, Co Limerick, was arrested on Friday and was surrendered to the US Marshals Service at Dublin Airport.

The US authorities sought his extradition to face charges of illegal wildlife trafficking in relation to the sale and transport of horns from endangered wild black and white rhinoceroses.

He is alleged, with two others, to have used "a straw buyer" to buy rhino horns at a taxidermy shop in Austin, Texas, for $18,000, which were later sold in New York for $50,000.

It is also alleged that Mr Slattery bought two further horns from black and white rhinos in Macon, Missouri, for $10,000.

Mr Slattery made his initial appearance in federal court in the Western District of Texas before US Magistrate Judge Jeffrey C Manske.

The US Justice Department said in a statement that the court appearance concluded the extradition process from Ireland.

"The Justice Department extends its gratitude to the government of Ireland for its co-operation and assistance," the statement said.