C.F. man pleads not guilty to federal charge

A 53-year-old Columbia Falls man pleaded not guilty Wednesday during U.S. District Court proceedings in Missoula to a federal trafficking charge.

Jeffrey Bronson is charged with trafficking in eagle or hawk parts. He is currently released on special conditions and faces up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted.

The investigation that led to the charge was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.