AUSTIN, Texas — A Texas man is pleading guilty to charges in connection with illegally importing protected reptiles into the U.S.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Don Church used the name of a fake zoo called the "Austin Reptile Center" to import 165 native Australian reptiles, including three rare Rusty Monitor lizards, which are protected internationally by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
The DOJ said Church submitted documents showing fake pictures of exhibits, floor plans and financial information to Australian authorities, as well as documentation that provided erroneous information about the fictitious zoo to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Church is pleading guilty to a charge violating the Endangered Species Act, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison, one year on probation and a fine of up to $50,000.