crimes and misdemeanors

Man With ‘SSSSNAKE’ License Plate Had 850 Snakes in His House

A Burmese python is seen on display at the registration event and press conference for the start of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Davie, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most.
Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

It makes a lot of sense, actually: If you want to hoard and illegally sell hundreds of reptiles just work as your town’s animal control officer. Richard Parinello of Brookhaven, Long Island, was busted today for keeping 850 snakes, including two six-foot Burmese pythons, in his home and two-car garage. (He may have also been committing disability fraud, opting to work for himself instead, but that’s less interesting.) Parinello’s two trucks had vanity plates reading “SSSSNAKE” and “SNAKEVAN,” in case anyone doubted his passion.

Long Island Man Had 850 Snakes