Jose Manuel Perez was arrested on February 25 after he allegedly crossed into the US from Mexico by car with approximately 60 reptiles – including dozens of lizards and four snakes – hidden inside his jacket pockets and trousers, among others.
this is so saddening to see.
The press release stated that Jose Manuel Perez, also known as Julio Rodriguez, has been charged with one count of conspiracy, nine counts of smuggling goods into the United States and two counts of wildlife trafficking.
The press release also said that if convicted of all charges, Perez would be imprisoned for a maximum of 20 years for each smuggling count and five years for each wildlife trafficking count.