Hudson Valley Man Admits Selling Illegal Ivory Worth $25K+

CLARKSTOWN, NY — The Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday that a Hudson Valley man admitted to illegally having and selling ivory worth more than $25,000.

On Feb 8, Kenneth Kerner, 59, of the town of Clarkstown, pleaded guilty to a class D felony for the illegal commercialization of ivory over $25,000.

Authorities said the judge’s sentence mandated five years’ probation, 200 hours of community service, an obligation to donate $10,000 to a wildlife non-governmental organization, relinquishing the three ivory pool cues offered during the illicit sale and reimbursement of $15,000 to the DA’s office.

Kerner was also compelled to post a public statement on his social media account to increase awareness and discourage the illegal ivory trade.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said the fight to protect the world’s wild elephant population is ongoing.

“New York remains on the front lines of that fight as we bust the businesses that fuel the illegal ivory trade and promote, directly or indirectly, the horrific and senseless poaching of these awe-inspiring animals,” he said.

A joint DA’s office and DEC investigation began in the summer of 2020 into the illegal commercialization of billiard cues made of elephant ivory.

The high-end items, with asking prices as high as $45,000, were offered for sale on social media sites.

Undercover investigators contacted the seller and arranged an in-person buy in September 2020.

The seller offered three ivory cues for sale, with one of them for $15,000.

Once the investigator cleared the sale, officers with the DA’s office arrested Kerner.

“Kenneth Kerner illegally sold and offered for sale $70,000 in pool cues manufactured from elephant ivory,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “In Manhattan, we will continue to hold those accountable who attempt to take part in the illegal ivory trade.”

Wild elephant populations worldwide number fewer than 500,000 and are listed as endangered species, according to a spokesperson. New York’s Environmental Conservation law makes the sale of ivory without a permit illegal.