PALM BEACH POST (Florida) 10 April 07 PBC man charged with improper sale of dangerous reptiles (Michael LaForgia)
A 24-year-old man was arrested Monday for allegedly conducting a cold-blooded business without the state's permission.
Nickolas Nistico, who owns Dark Forest Reptiles near Congress Avenue and Gateway Boulevard, was taken into custody after state investigators found a coral snake and one alligator snapping turtle for sale at his shop, officials said.
The problem: Nistico doesn't have the permit required to sell poisonous reptiles, and coral snakes - cousin to the cobra - are extremely venomous.
State laws also closely regulate the sale of alligator snappers, which can grow to 250 pounds.
Nistico, who opened his shop in December 2005, has twice applied for the proper venomous-reptile permit and was twice denied because he lacked the demonstrated experience to handle the creatures, said Dani Moschella, spokeswoman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
"These venomous reptiles could kill somebody," she said. "It's not something this agency takes lightly."
Nistico was also cited for housing the poisonous snake improperly.
The coral snake and snapping turtle were confiscated, Moschella said.
Nistico, who had never before been arrested in Florida, was released Monday on his own recognizance.
PBC man charged with improper sale of dangerous reptiles