Southern California Man Sentenced For Hoarding Snakes
SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — A Southern California teacher who had 400 snakes in his home, many of them dead or dying, has pleaded guilty to failing to provide proper care for them.
William Buchman entered the misdemeanor plea Thursday in Orange County and was sentenced to 100 hours of community service. He also can't have a pet for five years and is paying $17,000 in restitution for animal care.
In January, reports of a vile smell at his Santa Ana home led to the discovery of the ball pythons, including 280 that were dead or dying.
His attorney, Paul Meyer, says Buchman fell into severe depression following his mother's death and that led to the neglect.
The surviving snakes have new homes in schools and a zoo.
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