Snake owners arraigned on charges this morning

Snake owners arraigned on charges this morning

STRUTHERS

Two Fifth Street residents arrested Friday after authorities found more than 100 snakes and lizards in their home, as well as evidence of their Internet business selling said reptiles, were arraigned this morning in Struthers Municipal Court.

For both Joseph L. McCollum, 46, and Michele M. Barrett, 45, bond was set at $1,000 on the charge of having dangerous animals for sale or auction, and at $5,000 on a charge of child endangering, with a 10 percent cash surety.

McCollum, who is self-employed as a contractor, and Barrett, who is employed, requested court-appointed lawyers.

A court trial for the sale or auction of dangerous animals charge, along with a preliminary hearing for the child endangering charge, is set for 9:30 a.m. Friday in Struthers Municipal Court. They have pleaded not guilty to the dangerous animal charge.

Barrett’s 12-year-old son, who also lived at the 438 Fifth St. residence where the snakes were found, remains in the custody of a relative.