In May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported scientists were investigating the cause of a male sperm whale washing up along Hilton Head Island. Now, a South Carolina man faces hefty fines and home arrest for trafficking the animal parts.

The case started with a live beached whale, with preliminary findings in the case including emaciation, which "most likely led to the whale's live stranding on May 3rd," said the U.S. government agency. It ended on Sept. 16, with a St. Helena man, Lauren DeLoach, 69, who is now being sentenced for trafficking sperm whale parts for more than three years, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

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