Two Florida Men Face Charges for Rattlesnake Trafficking
Two men in Florida have been arrested and charged with the illegal trafficking of rattlesnakes. The men are accused of capturing and selling the snakes for profit, a practice that is not only illegal but also puts the public at risk. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and the dangers of illegal trafficking.
The Charges
The men are facing multiple charges, including the illegal capture and transportation of venomous snakes, possession of wildlife without a permit, and conspiracy to engage in illegal wildlife trafficking. According to prosecutors, the men were capturing rattlesnakes in the wild and selling them for profit.
The Risks
The illegal capture and trafficking of rattlesnakes not only poses a threat to the snakes but also to the public. Venomous snakes can cause serious harm, and their unregulated trafficking can increase the risk of snakebites. Furthermore, illegal trafficking can disrupt ecosystems and harm populations of these already threatened species.
The Need for Conservation
The case highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect wildlife and ecosystems. Rattlesnakes, like many other species, are facing habitat destruction and population declines due to human activities. Trafficking only exacerbates these problems, threatens their survival, and harms the environment. It is important for individuals and governments to work together to protect these vital species for future generations.
The Importance of Law Enforcement
Illegal wildlife trafficking is a major concern worldwide, with billions of dollars of profits being turned over each year, often used to fund other illicit activities. Law enforcement must work to enforce regulations and protect both wildlife and the public. Cases like this demonstrate the need for vigilance in prosecuting those who engage in illegal trafficking in order to deter others from engaging in this harmful practice.
Conclusion
The case of the two Florida men charged with rattlesnake trafficking highlights the need for conservation and law enforcement efforts to protect these vital species. The illegal trade in rattlesnakes not only puts the public at risk but also contributes to the decline of these threatened species. It is important for individuals and governments to work together to combat illegal wildlife trade and protect our environment for future generations.
On November 13, 2012, the Department of Justice announced that Robroy MacInnes from Fort Myers and Robert Keszey of Bushnell, Florida were charged for trafficking rattlesnakes. The company Glades Herp Farm Inc was also named in the indictment.
The two men were the co-owners of Glades Herp Farm Inc, and they were officially charged with conspiring to traffic threatened reptiles and trafficking protected timber rattlesnakes. The crimes are a direct violation of the Lacey Act—which prohibits the trafficking of wildlife that was illegally obtained in the first place. The two men face a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for each offense.
Court documents show that the two men illegally collected the protected snakes from Pennsylvania and New Jersey from 2007 to 2008. The two men also bought eastern timber rattlesnakes that were illegally collected in the state of New York, and they transported the threatened eastern indigo snakes from Florida to Pennsylvania as well. The men violated the Lacey Act after they bought the eastern timber rattlesnakes and had the snakes transported to Florida.
According to the Justice Department, the eastern timber rattlesnake is a venomous snake native to the Eastern United States, and the snake is considered endangered in New Jersey and threatened in New York. It’s illegal to have an eastern timber rattlesnake in your possession without a proper permit in Pennsylvania.
The eastern indigo snake is the longest snake species native to North America, and it is considered threatened under Florida state law and Federal law as well.
Both men are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The case was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement. Patrick M. Duggan and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Kay Costello are in charge of prosecution.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
