Texas man indicted on charges of selling boots made of endangered sea turtle skin

HOUSTON, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Houston man has been indicted for allegedly distributing boots made of endangered sea turtle skin.

Alejandro Hernandez, 31, allegedly made the call to have sea turtle skin boots imported from Mexico and sent to a customer in Houston in October 2024.

A Laredo grand jury indicted Hernandez, alleging that he was smuggling and conspiring to smuggle the boots into the United States and illegally selling and sending them through the mail.

A five-count indictment alleges that Hernandez operated an online store where he advertised selling custom boots made from any animal skin.

He claimed the boots were genuine handmade items from Guanajuato, Mexico, the charges state.

Hernandez is in law enforcement custody in Midland and made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Roland Griffin.   

If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.