On Thursday, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York County District Attorney’s (DA) Office announced the conviction of a Rockland County man for felony illegal commercialization of elephant ivory worth approximately $70,000, concluding a joint investigation that began in 2020.
On February 8, Kenneth Kerner, 59, from the Town of Clarkstown pleaded guilty to a class D Felony for the illegal commercialization of ivory over $25,000. The judge sentenced Kerner to five years probation, 200 hours of community service, an obligation to donate $10,000 to a wildlife Non-Governmental Organization, forfeiting the three ivory pool cues offered during the illicit sale, and reimbursing the DA’s Office for $15,000 cash. Kerner was also compelled to post a public statement on his social media account to increase awareness and discourage the illegal ivory trade.
Kerner's social media post reads as follows.
Most of you know me from my thirty-plus years in the billiards community.
Some people in the billiards industry have run into legal issues with ivory laws. This is a concern for everyone since we have seen in the past that people have passed accountability onto others and not accepted it themselves. I know what it feels like to be targeted, not fun!
I live in New York, which has one of the strictest ivory laws in the U.S and has a specialized task force in place to seek out violators. Other states, such as California have similar policies in place. Federal and state officials are actively pursuing individuals engaged in the sale of ivory products, including cues. Those caught will be criminally prosecuted for any illegal transactions.
It has been years since I have ordered, purchased, or sold a cue containing ivory, and I will not do so in the future. I am currently working with some of the greatest cue makers in the world, creating works of art without that material.
Most cue makers will accommodate your request to make cues with alternative Ivory substitutes such as (Elforyn, Juma, and other quality substitutes). The quality of these materials is so good that it can be tough to tell the difference, and you will not lose any playability or cosmetic appeal. Additionally, they are animal-friendly and legal worldwide to buy, sell, and ship.
The sport of billiards and the instruments used to play the game will always be a love of mine. I am highly active in the industry, and 100% support cue makers, players, and collectors, and will continue to do so far into the future.
Hall of Fame cue makers such as Ernie(Ginacue), Tad Cues, and others prove that great craftmanship, reputation, and playability are the key ingredients for success, not solely dependent on ivory. The use of gold, silver, mother of pearl, and other precious materials has made investment grade cues even more valuable and desirable.
The future for custom cues will evolve and stay a passion for generations to come.
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