A Wheeling man and reptile dealer, Michael Kandis, age 64, has admitted to violating the Lacey Act by engaging in illegal wildlife trafficking, according to court documents and statements made in court. Kandis entered his guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone in Wheeling.
During a covert investigation of reptile shows in the Midwest, Kandis, who operates a reptile house in Wheeling, was found to have illegally purchased snakes, including dozens of bullsnakes. Bullsnakes are native to Indiana, and their sale is prohibited under Indiana state law.
READ: ICE Nabs Rapists, Child Predators, Gang Members In Deportation Blitz
Following the illegal purchases, Kandis transported the snakes to West Virginia and subsequently sold them. This action constitutes a violation of the Lacey Act, a federal law that prohibits the importation, exportation, transportation, sale, receipt, acquisition, or purchase of any fish or wildlife or plant taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any law, treaty, or regulation of the United States.
Kandis faces significant penalties for the violation, including a potential sentence of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the crime. A federal district court judge will determine the final sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant statutory factors.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
