Michael Kandis, a 64-year-old reptile dealer from Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to charges of wildlife trafficking. According to court documents, Kandis operates a reptile house in Wheeling and was involved in an illegal purchase of snakes during a covert investigation of reptile shows in the Midwest. Many of these snakes were bullsnakes, which are native to Indiana where selling them is prohibited under state law. Kandis transported the illegally purchased snakes to West Virginia for sale.
The Lacey Act, under which Kandis was charged, prohibits illegal trade related to fish, wildlife, and plants if it violates any U.S. laws, treaties, or regulations. Kandis could face a prison sentence of up to one year along with a fine amounting to $100,000 or double the gain or loss from the crime. The exact sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines among other factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maximillian Nogay and Trial Attorney Lauren D. Steele from the Environmental Crimes Section, Environment and Natural Resources Division, U.S. Department of Justice, are handling the prosecution. The case was investigated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, under the supervision of U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone.