BY ABC News Radio | July 5, 2019
New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation
(ALLEGANY, N.Y.) — A 71-year-old
New York man faces a slew of charges after officials seized hundreds of turtles
and three king cobras from his home, authorities said.
The seizure is believed to be the
largest illegal reptiles bust in New York state history.
New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos announced Wednesday that
William Engelder, 71, of Allegany, was charged with reckless endangerment,
illegal sale of wildlife, overdriving, torturing and injuring animals, illegal possession
and transportation of venomous reptiles, illegal possession of wild animals as
pets and possessing an endangered species without a permit, among other
offenses.
State wildlife officers seized
the reptiles while conducting a search warrant at Engelder’s home last August
after receiving a tip about a man harboring illegal animals, according to a
press release from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Among the reptiles authorities
say were illegally housed at the residence were three king cobras, the longest
venomous snake in the world, and six Gila monsters, a species of venomous
lizard.
There were also 184 spotted
turtles, 53 wood turtles, 28 Blanding’s turtles, 17 bog turtles, which is a
critically endangered species native to New York, six snapping turtles and two
painted turtles.
If convicted on all charges,
Engelder faces up to a maximum fine of $104,000 and up to 33 years in prison.
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