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Sentencing delayed for LA songbird smuggler
  • | AP | March 09, 2010 01:22 PM

A man who smuggled songbirds into Los Angeles from Vietnam by hiding them in his pants had his sentencing postponed.

Sony Dong of Garden Grove was scheduled to be sentenced Monday in Los Angeles, but the hearing is now set for April 12.

Dong was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport last March after arriving on a flight from Vietnam. Authorities found 14 birds he had wrapped in cloth and strapped to his legs and ankles. All survived the trip.

Authorities say they could have sold for up to $400 each.

Dong pleaded guilty to illegally importing wildlife and faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

Authorities say another 51 birds were found at the Garden Grove home of co-defendant Duc Le, who has pleaded not guilty to smuggling charges.