Home / Crime and Justice / Man Sentenced for Trafficking Rare Snakes
Man Sentenced for Trafficking Rare Snakes
8 Jan
Summary
- Man convicted for buying endangered snakes across state lines.
- He received two years probation and a $4,000 fine.
- Hitchcock works with children and volunteers with reptiles.
Scott Allen Hitchcock, 60, has been sentenced to two years of probation and a $4,000 fine for illegally trafficking endangered snakes. In June 2020, Hitchcock purchased two types of protected snakes, Louisiana pine snakes and black pine snakes, for $1,000 in Goshen, Indiana.
Authorities stated Hitchcock should have known the wildlife was sold in violation of the federal Endangered Species Act. He pleaded guilty to the federal misdemeanor charge in September and admitted to making "several bad decisions" in handling, transporting, and trading wildlife.
Hitchcock, who has no prior criminal record, has been recognized for his positive influence, particularly his work with children. He frequently volunteers to give presentations on reptiles at schools and youth groups, impacting hundreds of students.
