WFMJ (Youngstown, Ohio) 11 October 13 Police uncover venomous snakes and exotic snake store in Struthers home
Struthers, Ohio: The owners of a online store that sells snakes are under arrest for child endangering.
Over 100 snakes, five of which are venomous, were found inside a home at 438 Fifth Ave. where Joseph McCollum and Michele Barrett live with their 12-year-old son son.
A safety welfare check led police to the house when emergency personnel found the snakes while treating McCollum for a venomous snake bite.
McCollum and Barrett run The Boa Store, an online store that sells boa constrictors.
Detectives say the snakes were housed mostly in the basement, but some were kept upstairs.
By having the snakes in their home, detectives say the two owners violated two city ordinances: running a business from their home and owning exotic animals. They also failed to post a sign warning of dangerous animals, which violates a state law.
The Herps Alive! Foundation is working with state wildlife agents to remove and house the snakes.
McCollum is being treated at St. Elizabeth's in Youngstown.
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