New Hartford Man Charged With Harboring Endangered Species

A northeast Iowa man is accused harboring endangered species at his home in New Hartford.

Brian Anderson, 50, is charged with one count of illegal possession of a protected non-game and one count of illegal possession of an endangered species, both simple misdemeanors. According to an Iowa Department of Natural Resources press release, authorities filed the charges following a search of Anderson's home on Wednesday (June 6, 2018).

Just before 6 PM, Iowa DNR conservation officers and Iowa State Patrol troopers executed a search warrant at 309 Packwaukee St. in New Hartford after receiving anonymous complaints about endangered species housed within the home. Authorities said, during the search, they seized an endangered massasauga rattle snake and other contraband related to the reptile's possession. Other illegal contraband was turned over to the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Division of Narcotics Enforcement for further investigation and potential charges.

According to DNR officials, the resident was not present when the search warrant was executed. They said Anderson turned himself in to Butler County sheriff’s officials on Thursday. He was then charged with the two misdemeanors.

Authorities have indicated that other charges -- both state and federal -- could be filed against Anderson.