Charles Williams, a member of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees, was fined $75,000 on Monday for trapping, shooting and killing red-tailed hawks in 2013 and 2014.
Williams faced charges and a federal fine because the hawks are federally protected birds. Williams and his three associates Jimmy Aiken, John Dantzler and Alejandro Renteria Noyola pleaded guilty upon trial.
Federal Magistrate Judge Shiva Hodges issued the fine and banned Williams from hunting for one year. Hodges also called for 50 hours of community service at a wildlife conservatory for birds of prey.
Prosecutors asked for a steeper fine, in the range of $100,000, while Williams' attorney pushed for a fine around $5,000.
Williams apologized through his tears for his actions.