Texas Man: Lizard Liberator or Lawless Leftie?

A Texas man, Don Church, has thrown caution (and common sense) to the wind, admitting to charges of illegally importing Aussie reptiles.

"Conservation of endangered species depends on people with passion and dedication."

Church, a self-proclaimed conservationist and leftie do-gooder, sure showed his passion by doin' the most. According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), this fella smuggled 165 Australian reptiles, including three rare Rusty Monitor lizards, which are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

Yee-haw, this guy's a real cowboy!

Church, who's all about that "protecting" life, was president and director of Wildlands Conservation at Global Wildlife Conservation, an organization that's all about conservation planning and policy, land management, and protection. But, this city-slicker tried to pull a fast one, fabricatin' documents like a true fake-news artist. He created exhibit photos, floor plans, and even financial records for a non-existent zoo, tryna deceive Australian officials and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

Now, this snake-lover's facin' some real consequences. He's lookin' at a maximum sentence of one year in jail, one year of probation, and a $50,000 fine.

https://www.turtleconservancy.org/news/2018/6/congratulations-sabin-prize-winners?rq=Church

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Let's hope he doesn't try to smuggle his way outta this one!