IN COURT: 4 make historic first appearance on felony Venus Flytrap theft charges
PENDER COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Four people were in court Monday morning for their first appearances on charges of stealing Venus Flytraps in Pender County.
The crime became a felony Dec. 1, 2014, and this was the first time the new law has been enforced as such in North Carolina.
Wildlife officers arrested Paul Simmons, 49, Paul Simmons Jr., 22, Malcolm Massey, 30, and Jimmy Wortham, 23, and placed them in the Pender County Jail. Simmons Sr. and Wortham received $20,000 secured bonds, while Simmons Jr. and Massey received $15,000 secured bonds.
According to Captain Todd Radabaugh with the Wildlife Resources Commission, over 1,000 plants were recovered from the Holly Shelter Game Land.
"Venus Fly Traps are a unique and important part of Southeastern North Carolina's ecosystem," District Attorney Ben David said in a news release. "I am proud that the Fifth District will be the first to prosecute the new felony charge and commend NC Wildlife Resources for their enforcement of the law."
The felony is punishable by a maximum of 39 months in prison.
The next court date for all four defendants is scheduled for Jan. 14, 2015 in Pender County District Court.
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