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TIMES-DISPATCH (Richmond, Virginia) 10 July 05 'Darth Gator' killer in limbo - Man hasn't heard if he'll face charges in the death of reptile (Mark Holmberg)
A week after a reptile slaying in Chesterfield County, it remains unclear whether the fisherman who reportedly clubbed it to death will feel the bite of the Endangered Species Act.
Max Belle, the angler in question, hasn't even been told by federal game officials if the deceased reptile was indeed on the protected-species list, said his lawyer, David Baugh.
"If the government takes this long to determine whether or not it is a protected species, I wonder why they would expect a common, ordinary citizen to make this differentiation," Baugh said Friday.
"How is someone supposed to know the difference between a protected, endangered reptile and a threatening, nuisance reptile?" Baugh added.
A spokeswoman for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could not be reached Friday. The maximum potential penalty: a year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
Belle, reached yesterday, had no comment.
He, like Baugh, lives on the Falling Creek Reservoir, which is shared by Richmond and Chesterfield. The waterway has seen some recent drama because of damage by the remnants of Tropical Storm Gaston and sewer-pipe problems.
The befuddling appearance of the 44-inch, 9-pound mystery reptile - alligator, caiman or crocodile? - provided the latest excitement.
"I've been looking for it, kind of hoping I'd see it," said Paula Moore, who lives on Falling Creek Reservoir with her family.
News of Falling Creek's mini-Nessie - "Darth Gator," some called it - spread quickly.
It was believed that it had been someone's pet, as alligators generally don't travel north of North Carolina. Anyone with information about the creature is asked to call Crime Solvers.
There was some concern that the reptile might bite someone or consume small pets, despite published assurances from one of the state's top reptile experts that it posed no threat "unless you do something really stupid."
Attempts to capture the creature were unsuccessful until last Sunday evening.
Reportedly, Belle hooked it while fishing from his boat. He didn't have a cell phone, so he reportedly yelled for help in collaring the critter sought by game officials.
The reptile took its hooking personally and thrashed and snapped with some vigor, which reportedly prompted Belle to apply a paddle to its scaly body. Police have said it appeared to have been clubbed to death.
It is widely believed that the reptile would not have survived a winter in the reservoir.
"I was worried about the cold weather killing him," Moore said. She had hoped it would be trapped and relocated.
"It's a pity," she said. "He was one of God's creatures - he didn't do anything wrong."
While saddened about the death, Moore stopped short of bad-mouthing Belle. "I wasn't there. I don't know what his intentions were."
Man hasn't heard if he'll face charges in the death of reptile

It can't possibly be that complicated. I think the @$$hole should stand trial just for killing an animal that he had NO right to kill. The hell with the endangered species act.