A cooperative investigation led by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agents, Oregon State Police, Arizona Game and Fish Department wildlife investigators has resulted in federal indictments of nine people in the District of Arizona. The indictments stem from violations of the Lacey Act that involved the unlawful interstate sale and transport of reptiles taken in violation of state wildlife laws.
Protected live reptiles, including Gila monsters, were illegally collected then sold and transported from Arizona to Oregon and other states. Service agents and wildlife investigators served several search warrants and conducted numerous interviews as part of the investigation. To date, the following people have been indicted: John C. Benson of Yucca Valley, California; Robert L. Black of Gresham, Oregon; Clark D. Cox of Gilbert, ArizonaDavid P. Dougall of Tucson, Arizona; Scott M. Gelsomino of San Angelo, Texas; Mark C. Herritt of Yucca Valley, California; Benjamin P. Martin of Las Vegas, Nevada; Donald T. Mercer of Marion, New York; and Melody R. Ritter of San Angelo, Texas.
The Lacey Act prohibits the transportation and sale of wildlife in interstate commerce in violation of state laws. The Lacey Act provides, for felony violations, maximum penalties up to five (5) years imprisonment and/or $250,000 in fines.
Gila monsters are protected by Arizona wildlife laws. One of only two venomous lizards in the world, the Gila monster can be found in portions of Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Mexico. Gila monsters are highly sought after in the international black market trade of live reptiles and can be valued up to $3,500 for each animal.
"This investigation reaches across several states and exudes the collaborative efforts with our Service counterparts and State partners," said Juliana Scully, the Service's Southwest Region's Assistant Special Agent in Charge.
An indictment is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Visit the Service's website at http://www.fws.gov.
