SOUTH BEND — On April 11, James S. Travis, 64, was sentenced to 30 days in jail by Pacific County Superior Court Judge Donald J. Richter in a seabird-killing case that inflamed local passions.

On July 27, 2024, beachgoers off Klipsan Beach approached and watched the man mow down a flock of seagulls and drive recklessly up and down the beach. The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife was able to trace the vehicle to a rental company in Portland and determine that he was the driver.

According to court records, Travis pleaded guilty in a plea agreement to first-degree animal cruelty and reckless driving. He faced a standard range with an offender score of zero of 1-3 months and up to 364 days in jail.

The Pacific County Prosecutor’s Office recommended Travis be sentenced to 30 days in jail. Richter accepted the plea and sentence recommendation.