Podcast Summary: The MeatEater Podcast | Ep. 655: A Wildlife Agent Goes Undercover

Host: Steven Rinella
Guest: Ed Newcomer (Retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent)
Release Date: January 27, 2025

1. Introduction

In Episode 655 of The MeatEater Podcast, host Steven Rinella welcomes retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent Ed Newcomer to discuss his extensive experience in wildlife law enforcement, particularly his undercover work targeting roller pigeon enthusiasts who illegally kill protected raptors.

2. Guest Background: Ed Newcomer (00:00 - 04:07)

Ed Newcomer introduces himself as a retired federal agent who served in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He explains his background, emphasizing his mandatory retirement at age 57 after a dedicated career combating wildlife crimes. Ed shares his initial interest in law enforcement, inspired by family camping trips in Denver, and his transition from practicing law to becoming a wildlife agent.

Ed Newcomer [04:14]: "Being a federal agent is awesome, but being a special agent for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is 10 times awesome."

3. Understanding the Role of a Wildlife Agent (04:10 - 08:10)

Ed elaborates on the responsibilities of a Fish and Wildlife Service agent, highlighting the focus on preventing wildlife trafficking and enforcing the Endangered Species Act (ESA). He discusses the distinction between local and federal jurisdiction, explaining how cases that cross state lines or involve international trade fall under federal authority.

Ed Newcomer [07:02]: "When I'm building the case against bad guys, this is what the prosecutor is going to want... and this is how we're going to avoid losing on appeal."

4. The Roller Pigeon Problem (08:10 - 14:33)

A significant portion of the episode delves into the issue of roller pigeon enthusiasts who kill protected raptors like hawks and falcons. Ed explains how these bird enthusiasts, seeking to protect their pigeons, resort to illegal means to eliminate predators, leading to conflicts with federal wildlife laws.

Ed Newcomer [14:30]: "If you want to catch one and relocate it, you have to have a permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service."

5. Investigative Approach and Undercover Work (14:44 - 37:00)

Ed recounts his initial investigations into the roller pigeon community in Los Angeles, where he identified a network associated with the National Birmingham Roller Club (NBRC). Faced with low-priority cases, Ed decided to dive deeper by going undercover to infiltrate the group. He describes the challenges of gaining trust, such as attending pigeon shows and gradually uncovering illegal activities like hawk killings.

Ed Newcomer [27:15]: "So how does a fish and wildlife agent get involved? ... So these guys get really annoyed that the hawks come in and kill their roller pigeons."

6. Major Case Study: Operations High Roller and Broken Glass (37:00 - 75:00)

Ed details his most notable undercover operations, particularly focusing on Operation High Roller, which targeted club leaders within the NBRC. By collaborating with fellow agent Dirk Hoy, they coordinated simultaneous takedowns to maximize impact and media attention, thereby deterring others in the community from engaging in illegal activities.

One pivotal case involved Yoshi Kojima, a Japanese national notorious for trafficking endangered butterflies. Ed describes developing an undercover persona to gain Kojima's trust, leading to his eventual arrest.

Ed Newcomer [60:27]: "Operation Broken Glass... it was called Operation Broken Glass."

Ed Newcomer [75:00]: "He took pride in the fact that Fish and Wildlife was after him, and he took pride in bragging that he outsmarted us."

7. International Wildlife Trafficking (75:00 - 85:00)

The discussion shifts to broader international wildlife trafficking issues, such as the illegal trade of butterflies and elvers (juvenile eels). Ed explains how agents combat these crimes by cooperating with international counterparts and enforcing agreements like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Ed Newcomer [82:05]: "We had to serve Yoshi Kojima with some papers... I tracked down Justin Bieber, gave him German paperwork to pay a fine."

8. Risks and Personal Impact of Undercover Work (85:00 - 122:24)

Ed shares the personal challenges and dangers associated with undercover work. From close encounters with dangerous individuals to the emotional toll on personal relationships, he emphasizes the importance of vigilance and the psychological impact of facing life-threatening situations.

Ed Newcomer [116:14]: "You never know if somebody's gonna assault you... If some poacher decides to ambush you, it's not your choice."

9. Conclusion and Future Endeavors (122:24 - End)

Reflecting on his career, Ed underscores the significance of enforcement in wildlife conservation, stating that without active law enforcement, conservation laws remain ineffective. He also mentions his upcoming podcast, Nature's Secret Service, aimed at shedding light on wildlife crime.

Ed Newcomer [128:33]: "We will try to talk about what drives wildlife crime and the interesting stories that come out of it."

Notable Quotes

• Ed Newcomer [04:14]: "Being a federal agent is awesome, but being a special agent for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is 10 times awesome."

• Ed Newcomer [14:30]: "If you want to catch one and relocate it, you have to have a permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service."

• Ed Newcomer [75:00]: "He took pride in the fact that Fish and Wildlife was after him, and he took pride in bragging that he outsmarted us."

• Ed Newcomer [116:14]: "You never know if somebody's gonna assault you... If some poacher decides to ambush you, it's not your choice."

Key Takeaways

• Wildlife Trafficking Complexity: Wildlife crime often intersects with organized crime, making it a multifaceted issue requiring sophisticated law enforcement strategies.

• Importance of Undercover Work: Infiltrating criminal networks is crucial for gathering evidence and making impactful arrests that deter ongoing illegal activities.

• International Cooperation: Combating wildlife trafficking necessitates collaboration with international agencies and adherence to global conservation agreements like CITES.

• Personal Sacrifices: Undercover agents face significant personal risks and psychological challenges, emphasizing the need for support systems within law enforcement.

• Educational Initiatives: Former agents like Ed Newcomer continue to contribute to wildlife conservation through education and new media projects, fostering greater public awareness.

This episode provides an in-depth look into the often unseen battles fought by wildlife agents to protect endangered species and uphold conservation laws. Ed Newcomer's firsthand experiences offer listeners a compelling narrative of dedication, strategy, and the complexities of wildlife law enforcement.