Watch CBS News

Teacher Who Hoarded Snakes In Santa Ana Home Charged With Animal Abuse

SANTA ANA (AP) — A teacher who was arrested two months ago for hoarding more than 400 snakes in his Orange County home has been charged with felony animal abuse.

The district attorney said Friday that 53-year-old William Frederick Buchman will make a first court appearance on Monday.

Buchman was arrested Jan. 29 after neighbors complained about a foul smell coming from his home in Santa Ana.

Authorities found more than 400 ball pythons in his home, stacked in bins that were on floor-to-ceiling shelves.

Prosecutors say 240 of the snakes were already dead.

The remaining snakes were given to snake rescue organizations, which found them homes.

No attorney was listed for Buchman in the court docket. It wasn't clear if he had one or would be assigned a public defender Monday.

RELATED STORY: Hundreds Of Snakes And Rodents Found Inside OC Man's Home

(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.