VIDEO -  http://www.heraldleaderphoto.com/2008/07/11/snakes-alive-operation-twice-shy/

Snakes alive! 10 arrested and one cited for illegal sales of venomous snakes

FRANKFORT -- Ten people have been arrested and another one cited by state conservations officers after a nearly two-year undercover investigation of the illegal possession, importation and buying and selling of venomous snakes and other reptiles.

Forty-four officers with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife seized more than 125 venomous snakes and other reptiles, including an alligator, in the investigation, and are expected to issue more than 700 charges.

Animals seized included illegal western diamondback rattlesnakes, timber rattlesnakes, cottonmouth water moccasins, northern and southern copperheads, cobras, great basin rattlesnakes, a gaboon viper, a puff adder and a 2-foot-long alligator.

Undercover officers bought more than 200 illegal reptiles during the investigation code named "Twice Shy." Some were purchased through the Internet.

Arrest warrants have been served in Bell, Harlan, Madison, Letcher and Boone counties.

Officers have levied 416 charges, and are expected to issue at least 300 more charges as the investigation continues.

"This was a well-conducted and well-documented investigation that has put those who would engage in the illegal selling and buying of any wildlife in Kentucky on notice that they are subject to arrest and prosecution," Bob Milligan, law enforcement director for the state fish and wildlife department, said in a statement.

"It is disturbing to me that individuals would keep such dangerous wildlife in their homes and in neighborhoods where they put their families, visitors and neighbors at such high risk."

Department spokesman Mark Marraccini said Internet sales "clued us in" to the investigation.

He said the department has several officers who work the Internet to check on such possible sales.

People obtain the animals for various reasons, he said, ranging from pets to collection of venom.

Marraccini said the department has done other undercover investigations but this marks the first time to focus on reptiles.

The seized animals were taken to the Kentucky Reptile Zoo at Slade near Natural Bridge. The alligator was left where it was found, Marraccini said.

Jim Harrison, director of the non-profit institution in Powell County, said his facility received all the other animals Thursday night and will hold them for evidence. He did not know what happened to the alligator.

Harrison said conditions of the animals range from good to poor, and will remain in quarantine unavailable for public viewing for six months.

"If they survive, they will go to a credited institution like a zoo or an educational facility."

He said his zoo has been involved in other cases involving confiscated animals.

While emphasizing that every defendant is innocent until proven guilty, Harrison said, "Anybody who takes and poaches any wildlife is taking away our natural resources.

"We have a bag limit in this state and some people exceed that limit.That has a big impact on conservation and the environment.

"For example, the timber rattlesnake takes eight to 10 years to achieve sexual maturity. Something like this could wipe them out."

The state released information about these arrests:

*Gregory James Coots, 36, of Middlesboro, faces more than 150 charges of illegally buying, selling and possessing wildlife.

Officers seized 74 snakes from his Middlesboro home, including 42 copperheads, 11 timber rattlesnakes, three cottonmouth water mocassins, a western diamond rattlesnake, two cobras and a puff adder.

*Zechariah Johnson, 21, of Evarts in Harlan County, faces at least 24 counts of illegally buying, selling and possessing venomous snakes.

His father, Ricky Johnson, 55, of Evarts, faces at least 59 charges.

Officers seized 24 timber rattlesnakes and copperheads from the residence.

*Verlin Ray Short, 36, of Mayking in Letcher County, faces at least 78 charges of illegally buying, selling and possessing venomous snakes.

Officers seized 34 venomous snakes, including a western diamond rattlesnake, a great basin rattlesnake, timber rattlesnakes and norther and southern copperheads.

*Roger Leo Day, 33, of Harlan, faces six charges of illegally buying, selling and possessing wildlife.

*Jerrod Allen, 21, of Berea, faces at least nine charges of illegally buying, selling and possessing wildlife.

*Brian Fryer, 30, of Berea, faces at least 46 charges of illegally buying, selling and possessing wildlife. Officers seized an illegal firearm as well from him.

*Michael Peterson, 39, of Florence, faces at least 21 charges of  illegally buying, selling and possessing wildlife.

Officers seized an albino cobra and the frozen remains of a gaboon viper and copperheads.

*John Rowland, 46, of Berea, faces two charges of illegally buying, selling and possessing wildlife.

His son, Joel Rowland, 18, of Berea, faces the same charges.

Cited was William R. Howard, 56, of Harlan. He faces three charges of illegally possessing wildlife and at least 35 charges of transporting wildlife without a permit.

Each charge of illegally buying, selling or possessing wildlife is a misdemeanor offense carrying a maximum penalty of a year in prison and a $1,000 fine.