RAPID CITY - A federal jury has convicted a Montana man on five felony counts of violating the Lacey Act.

John Hughes, 49, of Roundup, Mont., was charged in U.S. District Court with illegally buying bobcats, coyotes, badgers and other wildlife from South Dakota residents in January 2004.

The Lacey Act is a federal law that prohibits transportation of game animals across state lines in violation of state laws. Hughes was indicted on charges that he violated South Dakota laws governing the licensing of fur dealers, unlawful possession of game animals and invoices from out-of-state fur dealers.

According to federal court documents, Hughes was accused of buying 16 bobcats, 54 coyotes, 77 raccoons, 15 muskrats, 11 fox, four beavers, one badger and one skunk from six men in January 2004. Prosecutors believe he spent more than $6,000 to buy the animals, presumably for their fur.

Each count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing was set for Oct. 15.