Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Rare Australian Reptiles into the US

A Texas man, Don Church, has pleaded guilty to charges related to illegally importing protected Australian reptiles, in violation of the Endangered Species Act.

"Conservation of endangered species depends upon people with the passion and dedication to protect them." — Don Church, in a 2018 article by The Turtle Conservancy

Church, formerly associated with Wildlands Conservation at Global Wildlife Conservation, used the fake "Austin Reptile Center" to smuggle 165 Australian reptiles, including 3 rare Rusty Monitor lizards. He fabricated documents, exhibit photos, floor plans, and financial records to deceive authorities.

The DOJ reports that Church faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a year of probation, and a $50,000 fine.