A Freehold man has pleaded guilty to smuggling more than 1,000 turtles that were illegally collected in Oklahoma, according to a report.

William T. Gangemi, 26, was accused of allegedly violating a federal law that prohibits the sale or purchase of illegally collected wildlife with a market value over $350.

Gangemi reportedly facilitated the purchase and transport of the three-toed and western box turtles from Oklahoma to New Jersey with the intent to sell the animals for profit. He was allegedly part of a syndicate of wildlife smugglers that trafficked in protected turtles.

The collection of both types of turtles for commercial purposes is illegal in Oklahoma, according to a report.

As part of his plea agreement, Gangemi will pay $350,000 as restitution. Of that amount, $250,000 will go to Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, and the remaining $100,000 to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, according to authorities.

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“Oklahomans respect and value wildlife, and we don’t appreciate those who would seek to exploit our vulnerable wildlife populations for their corrupt greed. Laws created by Congress to protect wildlife, like the box turtle, will be enforced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Defendant Gangemi flagrantly violated state and federal laws by illegally collecting and exporting box turtles to the black market,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores in a statement.

In June, Gangemi pleaded guilty to additional federal charges for trafficking wildlife in South Carolina, according to a report.

The international scheme reportedly involved dealers in Hong Kong, New York and South Carolina. About $410,000 worth of rare or endangered turtles were hidden in socks or candy wrappers and shipped overseas, according to a report.

In consequence, the 26-year-old was reportedly sentenced to two years of probation by a federal judge in South Carolina.

Gangemi will be sentenced for his latest crime on Jan. 27, according to a report.