Snake purveyors remain behind bars

Snake purveyors remain behind bars

STRUTHERS

Two Fifth Street residents arrested Friday after authorities found more than 100 snakes in their home, as well as evidence of their Internet business selling snakes, remain in jail.

Joseph McCollum, 46, is being held at Mahoning County jail, while Michele Barrett, 45, is at Struthers City jail.

Both will be arraigned 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in Struthers Municipal Court, and are charged with child endangering, as well as for violating city and state laws that pertain to the possession and sale of exotic animals.

The two allegedly operate The Boa Store, www.boastore.com, and boast more than 40 years of snake-breeding experience.

Barrett’s 12-year-old son, who was living at the Fifth Street residence, is now in the custody of a relative.