WEST BEND, Wis. (AP) — Police investigating a sexual assault suspect discovered hundreds of snakes, mice and other small animals, including some that had died, in the foul-smelling basement of his southeastern Wisconsin home.
Police were at the home to arrest a 42-year-old man for sexual assault and false imprisonment. While they were inside his home, officials noticed a foul odor coming from the basement. When they walked downstairs, they found 160 snakes, more than 250 mice, as well as geckos and frogs. The snakes ranged from 6 inches to 2 feet in length.
It took West Bend police, city workers, the Wisconsin DNR and the help of the Milwaukee County Zoo to remove the animals. Many were in poor health. Several dead snakes and mice were also removed.
In addition to preliminary charges of sexual assault, domestic abuse and battery, the suspect is expected to be charged with additional criminal and civil code violations.
The suspect’s name has not yet been released.
