Ohio County Reptile Dealer Pleads Guilty To Wildlife Trafficking

Sunday, May 4, 2025, 8:15 A.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

WHEELING, W.VA.- On Friday, May 2, 2025, Michael Kandis, 64, of Wheeling, West Virginia, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone to Wildlife Trafficking in Violation of the Lacey Act.

     According to Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard and charging information filed with the District Court, Kandis is a reptile dealer who operates a reptile house in Wheeling, West Virginia. During a covert investigation of reptile shows in the Midwest, Kandis illegally purchased snakes, dozens of which were bullsnakes.

Bullsnakes Are Native To The State Of Indiana

     Bullsnakes are native to Indiana, where their sales are illegal under Indiana State Law. After purchasing the snakes, Kandis then transported the snakes back to West Virginia, and then sold them for financial gain.

     Under federal law, the Lacey Act prohibits the importation, exportation, transportation, sale, receipt, acquisition, or purchase of any fish, wildlife, or plant taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any law, treaty, or regulation of the United States.

     After entering his guilty plea on Friday, Judge Mazzone accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for a date and time to be determined by the U.S. District Court. At that time, Kandis faces up to 12 months in federal prison and a fine of up to $100,000. When sentenced, a U.S. District Court Judge will determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offense and Kandis’ prior criminal history, if any.