Category: Poachers

Florida: Multi-Year Investigation Leads to Venomous Snake Traffickers

Media contact: Ashlee Sklute, Ashlee.Sklute@MyFWC.com

Multi-year FWC investigation “Operation Viper” leads to numerous charges for venomous and prohibited snake traffickers

On January 12, 2023, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) filed charges against eight individuals, ranging from second degree misdemeanors to third-degree felonies related to the illegal trafficking of venomous and prohibited snakes.

The FWC has been receiving intelligence reports and complaints indicating that a black market exists for the sale and purchase of illegal and highly dangerous venomous reptiles in Florida. In 2020, the FWC initiated a long-term investigation with undercover investigators to determine the extent of this illegal activity and hold violators accountable.

The illegal sale, purchase, transport and caging of these regulated animals pose a significant public safety threat, undermines legitimate captive wildlife dealers operating legally and threatens the long-term well-being of state wildlife populations. If these illegal and dangerous nonnative species were to escape, they could easily live and breed in Florida’s subtropical climate.

Over the course of the investigation, nearly 200 snakes, consisting of 24 species from seven different regions of the globe, were purchased or sold by FWC undercover investigators to or from wildlife traffickers. Some of those species include the inland taipan, bushmaster, rhinoceros viper, African bush viper, Gaboon viper, green mamba, eyelash viper, multiple species of spitting cobra, forest cobra, puff adder and saw-scaled vipers. Trafficking activity was unpermitted, and the subjects involved showed a complete disregard for the regulatory framework designed to keep Floridians safe.

“Some of these snakes are among the most dangerous in the world,” said Maj. Randy Bowlin, FWC DLE Investigations and Intelligence Section Leader. “Florida’s rules and laws are in place to protect the public and prevent tragedies from occurring.”

Much of the illegal activity was initiated on specialized websites or closed social media pages. Once these black-market deals were arranged, violators quickly transitioned to in-person meetings where they arranged to buy or sell potentially deadly species to undercover officers with full knowledge that they were unlicensed and could not purchase these snakes legally. Some of these individuals included wholesale dealers who imported large shipments of nonnative venomous snakes from multiple countries around the world. The FWC secured search warrants for many of the social media accounts to prove the illegal activity was occurring and identify additional subjects. Georgia DNR and the FWC also worked in conjunction on this investigation to target other suspects illegally transporting carloads of venomous snakes around the country in violation of multiple state laws. Covert meetings with officers from Georgia and Florida revealed that the suspects showed a complete disregard for this highly regulated activity.

The actions of individuals such as the ones charged today make our jobs at VENOM 1 and 2 only that much harder,” said Dr. Benjamin Abo, Primary investigator and Medical Director of Venom 1 and 2 Venom Response Units. “We fight every day to keep people alive and minimize permanent complications after a tragic bite occurs. The rules for the transportation, caging and handling of these animals are in place for important reasons.”

As often happens with long term investigations, non-wildlife crimes were documented by FWC investigators. “We’ve seen time and again that individuals who will break one law do not limit themselves to only one area of illegal activity,” said FWC DLE Director Colonel Roger Young. “Documented violations range from conservation second-degree misdemeanors to third-degree felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.”

This lengthy investigation developed additional suspects both in and out of Florida. FWC investigators realized early into the investigation that the black market for venomous reptiles in Florida was robust, and subjects identified in the operation were dealing reptiles frequently and in high numbers, often to or from unpermitted individuals. Caging, labeling, transport and handling rules were also often ignored by subjects and cited accordingly in today’s action.

“Some of the individuals apprehended by this operation are established dealers of snakes,” said FWC Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto. “Our law enforcement officers will continue to hold accountable those who disregard the rules which protect our natural resources of the state.”

Over the course of the investigation, FWC Investigations leadership made the determination to allow some violations to sunset due to statutes of limitations, in order to cast a wider net for additional violators. Hundreds of additional misdemeanor level violations were observed during the operation which were not charged in today’s activities.

Violations charged during this operation do not take into account that many of these snakes were probably sourced illegally from their home country of origin. A well established tactic for black market dealers is to launder illegally procured snakes through a properly permitted facility, so they may be sold without divulging their true origin.

“During this investigation, officers saw and heard disturbing evidence of widespread illegal activity, not the least of which were individuals who indicated that they were releasing or planning to release prohibited reptiles into nearby native habitat to establish a readily accessible wild breeding population,” said Investigations Section Captain Van Barrow.

Wildlife trafficking ranks fourth behind, drugs, weapons and humans in global activity, and is often a nexus for other illegal activity. There are many different estimates of the value of illicit wildlife trafficking worldwide. According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, illicit wildlife trafficking is estimated to be between $7.8 billion and $10 billion per year.

Actions taken by the FWC DLE Investigations Section on January 12 include:

Delvin Eugene Sasnett (11/21/1990) of Eagle Lake, FL – arrested and issued Notice to Appear

During the investigation, FWC investigators found evidence to charge Sasnett with a number of serious violations. In addition to illegal purchase or sale of venomous reptiles, he is also involved in the sale of other types of wildlife.

Polk County violations include:

  • Possession of American Alligator (third-degree felony)
  • Child Neglect (third-degree felony)
  • Possession of prohibited species (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Possession of venomous reptile without a permit (first-degree misdemeanor)1
  • Possession of captive wildlife without a permit (ESB) (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Possession of threatened species (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Unsafe conditions (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Illegal harvest of freshwater turtles (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Caging and biosecurity (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No enclosure label (prohibited species) (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No critical incident plan (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No or incomplete records for wildlife (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Transfer of prohibited species to/from unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper primary enclosure for venomous reptile (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper secondary enclosure for venomous reptile (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No bite protocol (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper caging of Class 2 wildlife (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Transporting turtle eggs (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Feeding alligators (second-degree misdemeanor)

William Chase Agee (08/01/1990) of Holly Hill, FL – arrested and executed search warrant

Agee is an unpermitted individual who has been involved in multiple illegal sales and purchases of venomous reptiles. A convicted felon, Agee was well aware of the regulations concerning these snakes. In addition to violations concerning venomous reptiles, Agee was also illegally in possession of a firearm, a third-degree felony.

Volusia County violations include:

  • Possession of firearm by convicted felon (third-degree felony)
  • Transportation/sale/possession of cannabis (third-degree felony)
  • Illegal possession of ammunition (third-degree felony)
  • Sale of venomous reptile to unlicensed person (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Possession of venomous reptile by unlicensed person (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Illegal transportation of venomous reptiles (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Illegal transportation of venomous reptiles (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Illegal transportation of venomous reptiles (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Purchase of prohibited species from unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)

Dylan Isaac Levin (02/15/1992) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL – arrested

Levin was documented making multiple illegal purchases and sales of venomous reptiles. He falsified required records regarding venomous reptiles and was involved in the sale of a controlled substance.

Palm Beach County violations include:

  • Sale of controlled substance (third-degree felony)
  • Sale of venomous reptile to unpermitted individual (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper venomous reptile records (second-degree misdemeanor)

Edward Daniel Bays (07/31/1997) of Southwest Ranches, FL – issued Notice to Appear

Broward County, Miami-Dade County violations include:

  • Possession of prohibited species (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Release of nonnative wildlife (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Transportation of prohibited species (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Transfer of prohibited species to/from unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Transporting wildlife in unsafe manner (second-degree misdemeanor)

Jorge Javier Gonzalez (10/29/1999) of Miami, FL – executed search warrant, issued Notice to Appear

Gonzalez is charged with the illegal trafficking of prohibited species, specifically Burmese pythons. On multiple occasions, FWC investigators documented the illegal sale and transport of these invasive prohibited species.

Broward County, Collier County, Hendry County, Miami-Dade County violations include:

  • Possession of prohibited species (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Purchase of wildlife from unlicensed person (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Transfer of prohibited species to/from unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No safety entrance for prohibited species (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No escape proof room (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No enclosure label (prohibited species) (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No enclosure label (name/PIT #) (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Solicitation/Attempted Solicitation (second-degree misdemeanor)

Paul Edward Miller (07/21/1974) of Cape Coral, FL – issued Notice to Appear

Miller is a large importer of snakes, a well-established wildlife wholesaler and the owner of Calusa Animal Company. In addition to multiple violations regarding caging, labeling and husbandry, FWC investigators also documented instances where Miller aided in the falsification of required experience hours documentation.

Lee County violations include:

  • Cage or secondary containment (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Unsafe or unsanitary conditions for captive wildlife (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper cage labeling (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Cage or secondary containment (second-degree misdemeanor)

Joseph David Switalski, Jr. (05/26/1985) of Plantation, FL – issued Notice to Appear

Switalski is a well-established reptile dealer and is the owner of JDS Holdings and Trading, LLC. Multiple illegal sales and purchases occurred involving Switalski during the investigation, with more than 60 snakes. Switalski is charged with multiple violations.

Broward County violations include:

  • Sale of venomous reptile to unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper caging of venomous reptiles (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper cage identification (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper secondary containment for captive wildlife (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No enclosure label (venomous) (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Possession of venomous reptiles at unlicensed location (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Purchase of venomous reptiles from unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)

Timothy James Gould (05/12/1984) of Central City, PA – arrested by Geogia Department of Natural Resources in Georgia, issued Notice to Appear

Gould is a well-established wildlife transporter and is unpermitted in the state of Florida for any captive wildlife, let alone venomous reptiles. He advertises his illegal transport services on a popular online marketplace for wildlife dealers. Working with Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the FWC identified Gould and documented his illegal activity in Florida. When arrested, Gould had 27 snakes in his possession illegally.

Levy County violations include:

  • No import permit (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Sale or transfer to unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper labeling (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper caging (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Possession of venomous reptile without a permit (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No bite protocol (second-degree misdemeanor)

Charges have been filed with the appropriate State Attorney Offices, and judicial proceedings are pending.

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Nebraska Adds New Wildlife Crime Reporting Tool

Helping law enforcement eliminate poaching in Nebraska just got a little easier, thanks to a new program by Nebraska Game and Parks.

The new online reporting tool allows people to anonymously report suspected wildlife violations through a form at OutdoorNebraska.gov/WildlifeCrimestoppers. People can submit photos and even indicate if they are interested in a reward if charges are filed because of their tip.

Once submitted, the report goes directly to the conservation officer in the county where the incident is suspected. Read more

Poachers

Three Men Convicted of Poaching Charges in One of Wyoming’s Largest Cases

The charges were the result of a seven-year, multi-agency investigation

12/12/2022 8:58:11 PM

CHEYENNE – Three men were charged with more than 100 wildlife violations in one of the largest poaching cases in Wyoming history. The felony and misdemeanor charges were the result of a seven-year, multi-agency investigation spanning four states and involving thousands of hours of investigations and efforts by state and federal wildlife law enforcement officers, county and federal prosecutors, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department forensic laboratory personnel and others. The charges were prosecuted across four different Wyoming counties, concluding in Park County in September 2022.

“Investigating and successfully prosecuting a case of this size and scope required years of effort by many individuals and agencies,” said Rick King, Game and Fish chief game warden. “Dozens of people worked hard to make sure that even though some of these violations occurred a decade or more ago, they would not go unpunished.”

Russell Vick of Alabama, Robert Underwood of Oklahoma and David Underwood of South Dakota were convicted of numerous wildlife offenses and cumulatively fined $171,230 and $131,550 in restitution.

The case began in October 2015 Read more

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Macomb County man pleads no contest for shooting hawks when utility company refused to cut down tree

Arthur Anderson, 65, of Macomb Township pleaded no contest earlier this month in the Shelby Township District Court 41 A, after shooting three young Cooper’s hawks out of a tree earlier this year.

Anderson owes $4,500 ($1,500 per bird) in reimbursement to the state and $475 in fines and costs. He will be on probation for six months, and the shotgun he used to shoot the birds was confiscated.

“The Michigan Department of Natural Resources greatly appreciates the court system’s support in this case,” said Chief Dave Shaw, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “All birds of prey are protected at both the state and federal level and are an important and enjoyable part of Michigan’s natural environment.”

In June, Anderson hired a utility company to remove trees on his property. When the utility company refused to disturb the trees due to the birds’ habitat, Anderson retrieved a shotgun from his house and shot the nest at least five times; three dead hawks then fell to the ground.

Conservation Officer Brad Silorey received the anonymous tip that was reported to the DNR’s Report All Poaching Hotline (800-292-7800).

COs Sydney Griffor, Chris Knights and Sgt. Seth Rhodea met Silorey at Anderson’s Macomb Township home, where they interviewed him and collected evidence.

Anderson at first said he was shooting nuisance squirrels, but eventually confessed that he was angry the utility company wouldn’t remove the tree due to the nest. His firearm was seized at that time. Read more

Poachers

Lifetime suspension from hunting is first of its kind in Indiana

An Indiana Conservation Officer investigation has resulted in multiple charges, fines, and the first lifetime hunting suspension of its kind in state history for a West Lafayette man.

Hanson Pusey, 25, was sentenced Thursday in Warren County Court to a lifetime hunting suspension along with home detention, probation, and payment of replacement fees stemming from an investigation by DNR Law Enforcement involving the illegal hunting of wild turkeys in Indiana and six other states.

In spring 2020, conservation officers in District 3 received information that Pusey, whose hunting privileges had been suspended since March 2019, was still hunting and taking multiple turkeys illegally in Indiana and other states.

Using advanced surveillance techniques, investigators monitored Pusey, gathering evidence of poaching in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, as well as in Indiana, where they documented him taking four spring turkeys in Indiana in 2020, two after the season closed. Officers also documented Pusey helping family and friends poach turkeys. Search warrants were served on the man’s residence, and in cooperation with the other states’ fish and wildlife law enforcement agencies, filed charges in all them. Read more

Poachers

Fourteen Individuals Convicted of Stealing Venison and Poaching Ohio Deer

GALLIPOLIS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife recently closed the adjudication phase of one of Ohio’s largest white-tailed deer commercialization cases, spanning four counties and two states. The case primarily concerned A&E Deer Processing in Gallia County and included the illegal taking of deer and selling venison.

In all, the cases resulted in 14 defendants being charged with 122 counts in four counties and two states to include felonies and misdemeanors. They combined to pay $70,013.14 in fines and restitution. The group also collectively received a hunting license revocation totaling 63 years and paid more than $6,700 in court costs. All evidence seized during the execution of the search warrants was forfeited to the Division of Wildlife.

Included in the list of charges: engaging in a pattern of corrupt activities, grand theft, falsification, tampering with records, possession of untagged deer parts, hunting with an illegal implement, and complicity to wildlife sales. The maximum restitution to one individual was $20,000. A second individual received restitution of $13,000. Multiple individuals received extensive hunting license suspensions. Read more

Poachers

Michigan: DNR Donates Poached fish to Manistee County Families

DNR donates over 460 pounds of poached fish to Manistee County families; out-of-state group faces over $4,000 in restitution

An angler’s tip helped Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers recover more than 460 pounds of illegally taken salmon from an out-of-state fishing group on the Manistee River this week. The group went away with far less than they caught, while the officers were able to safely donate the poached fish to local families in Manistee County.

“There is a large amount of coho and Chinook salmon running the local rivers this time of year, attracting anglers from across the country to be a part of one of Michigan’s finest fishing adventures,” said the DNR’s Sgt. Grant Emery. “While we’ve seen a decrease in illegal fishing activity over the years, unfortunately, we still run into illegal and unconventional methods.”

Conservation Officers Josiah Killingbeck, who patrols Lake County, and Scott MacNeill, who patrols Manistee County, were conducting a fish patrol Tuesday along the Manistee River, near the Tippy Dam in Dickson Township when an angler approached and informed them about a group downriver using illegal methods and equipment to take fish. Read more

Fishing, Poachers

Shepherd man sentenced for poaching four deer, leaving parts to waste

The antlers from four poached mule deer and the firearm used to kill them were confiscated from Brayden Reed by FWP game wardens.

Sentence includes fines, restitution and loss of hunting privileges

BILLINGS – A Shepherd man lost his hunting privileges for 16 years and will pay fines and restitution exceeding $6,000 after pleading guilty to 16 state and federal charges of poaching mule deer and leaving some parts at a federal recreation area.

Brayden Reed, 19, pleaded guilty in Yellowstone County Justice Court to four counts of unlawful possession of deer, two counts of wasting game, three counts of hunting during a closed season, two counts of unlawful use of equipment, two counts of hunting without a license and one count of killing more than a limit of deer. He also pleaded guilty in federal court to the crimes of littering and resource damage. Read more

Poachers

No Use for Wildlife Thieves

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

Poachers disgust me.  They are not hunters but in essence are the worst of the anti-hunting community working to destroy the very wildlife the rest of us cherish.  Although some poachers kill for food (very few actually do so) most are in it for thrills and bragging rights.  But, with whom can these demented people share their sickness without fear of being turned in?  What follows is a recent case to be heard in Kent County.

One Edward Trout of Cedar Springs initially denied a history of offenses until he was presented with a series of text messages where he openly told people about his illegal activities. Trout initially denied everything until he was presented with a series of text messages where he openly told people about his illegal activities.  Since then, he has confessed to shooting and abandoning several deer but has pleaded not guilty to a five-count misdemeanor, including charges of the following:

  • Two counts of hunting and fishing without a license (up to $250 in fines, per count)
  • Taking game from a vehicle (up to $500 in fines)
  • Taking, possessing deer out of season ($1,000 per deer)

*    Using illegal fishing devices (up to $1,000 in fines)

There are no “safe” bragging rights when these cheaters boast of their “accomplishments”.  These self-serving criminals with their perverted minds live in their own fantasy world without thinking how distasteful their actions are to others – others that cannot bear to hear, or as in this case, to read his irrational accounts.

Since late January, eight tipsters have contacted the DNR’s Report All Poaching hotline (800-292-7800), reporting gunfire at night and deer carcasses located on or near properties in Nelson and Spencer townships.

In January, Conservation Officers Casey Varriale and Justin Ulberg began investigating the tips, often locating deer that appeared to have been shot from near the roadway.

By Feb. 13, officers investigated 13 deer that had been shot and abandoned in the two townships.

After hearing several news stories about the poaching, a concerned community member anonymously contacted the Report All Poaching hotline on Feb. 14. The tipster reported local rumors of Trout driving around over two to three nights, shooting deer from his vehicle.

Varriale interviewed Trout, who admitted to three instances of going out and shooting at deer, stating that he, “relieved frustration by driving around at night, listening to music and occasionally shooting his pistol into vacant fields from his pickup truck,” often while under the influence of alcohol and/or marijuana.

 

Trout originally faced three charges in connection to the deer; since failing to appear for his original court date on June 3, he accumulated two additional charges for illegally taking snapping turtles.

Snapping turtles?  On June 7, Varriale began investigating a new tip that Trout was spearing turtles at Pine Lake in Cedar Springs.

In Michigan, snapping turtles can be harvested from July 15-Sept. 15 using a trap or a hook and line. Spearing is not on the list of acceptable means of take.

The caller reported that Trout has been seen fishing late at night and leaving multiple lines unattended. Additionally, Trout has been seen spearing and leaving snapping turtles on the shore.

During the June investigation, Trout blamed family members for the unattended fishing lines, and stated he speared the snapping turtles because he feared for his children’s safety while they were fishing. Varriale located multiple speared turtles, including one with a spear still in it, among other evidence.

Trying to understand the rationale or motives of such a troubled individual may be an exercise in futility.  At the same time it’s good to know that one poacher will experience the distasteful medicine of justice.  If were up to me, I’d make it turtle soup from one of his trophies.

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Antlers, furs of illegally killed wildlife in Utah to be sold at auction

SALT LAKE CITY — An auction will be held later this month to sell hundreds of antlers and furs that Utah Division of Wildlife Resources conservation officers have seized during poaching investigations or otherwise got possession of during the past six years.

A public preview for the auction will be held on Monday, April 25, from 2-6 p.m. at the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range at 6000 W. 2100 South in Salt Lake City. The public is invited to do a walk-through to see the hundreds of antlers, dozens of bobcat furs and various other items — including some forfeited bows and traps — that will be auctioned.

The auction will be held online through the TNT Auction website starting the afternoon of April 25 and will close April 26. Anyone interested in bidding on an item must pre-register on the TNT Auction website prior to the start of the auction. All items must be paid for and removed from the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range facility grounds, by 7 p.m. April 26.

These auctions have been happening for several decades, and are typically held every four years. However, this one was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. The last antler auction was held in 2016. Read more

Poachers, Wildlife
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