WV Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Snake Trafficking Across State Lines

A Wheeling, West Virginia man has admitted to trafficking protected snakes across state lines, in violation of federal law, following an undercover investigation into illegal reptile sales at shows in the Midwest. Authorities say the man transported and sold dozens of bullsnakes native to Indiana, where their sale is banned under state law.

Michael Kandis, 64, who operates a reptile house in Wheeling, was identified during a covert probe targeting reptile dealers. Investigators discovered that Kandis had illegally purchased a significant number of bullsnakes at reptile shows in Indiana and later sold them in West Virginia. His actions constitute a breach of the Lacey Act, which prohibits the commercial handling of wildlife that has been taken or sold in violation of any U.S. or state law.

The case was brought forward by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of West Virginia, in coordination with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. According to federal officials, the charges stem from both transporting and selling wildlife obtained illegally, a key trigger for Lacey Act enforcement.

Kandis now faces the possibility of up to one year in federal prison and a fine of up to $100,000, or double the financial impact of the crime. Sentencing will be decided by a federal judge who will take into account both the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory considerations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maximillian Nogay and Trial Attorney Lauren D. Steele of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environmental Crimes Section.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of West Virginia

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