The incident occurred north of Yermo, CA in November 2021 and does not appear to be related to the loss of the Clark Mountain burros, investigation of which continues.
Three animals were killed according to a DOJ news release.
The pleas include one felony count of possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle and one misdemeanor count of maliciously causing the death of a burro on public lands.
They face up to ten years in federal prison for the firearm charges and up to one year in federal prison for the burro deaths.
Sentencing was set for July 8.
Western Horse Watchers Association 