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Break in at Carolina Reptile Exchange (Bruce Eisenmanns store)

I decided to post the emails between me and Bruce Oakley. He seems to be a very understanding person and he requested I do this. Reason I have't posted anymore is you guys tore me apart for a mistake I made and apologized over and over everyone makes mistakes and again Im sorry. Thanks for talking to me throught the emails Bruce. Your a nice dude.

Tom

Well, I never said I would not post this email. Could you go respond to
some of these questions people have or should I post this in hopes that it
will answer some questions.
People only jump on others when the stories change OR are full of
BS........just a general statement.
Like I said, kind of tough for people to accept someone starting all this
and then just dropping off the face of the earth (BOI in this case)

Brian Oakley
Phoenix, Arizona
[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>



-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Exotics [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2004 11:12 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE:



My cousin is going to trade me a 3ft redtail for them and yes it is my fault
and from now on I will check all or ask you all on fauna

>From: "Brian Oakley" <[email protected]>
>To: "Tom Exotics" <[email protected]>
>Subject: RE: Date: Sun, 25 Jan 2004 10:54:48 -0700
>
>I sort of understand. I can see that asking a pet store would be a good
>start, but I still do not know why you would not go to Fish and Wildlife.
>THAT is what they do for a living. They uphold the LAW in regards to any
>animals in your state.
>People jump all over you on the BOI because it APPEARS that you say what is
>easiest to get you out of all this. Your stories change and you do not
>answer the direct questions people have asked you. When people avoid
>questions or intentionally not answer the,, it looks fishy....can you
>understand that?
>Why would you be out the $$ for the Mangroves? Why would your cousin not
>be
>willing to pay you the money for them. They are NOT expensive animals and
>even if they were, you should ask for payment for them. On the other hand,
>it is not your cousin's fault you had to give up something that you paid
>for
>that you are not allowed to keep.
>
>I still say you should go to the BOI and respond 100% truthfully and no
>cutting corners to the questions people have. Again, is it right that you
>start this thread only to backpedal and shy away from the thread all
>together other than reading it. That is another thing that frustrate
>people, you sit back and read it all, but you cannot respond. That makes
>people feel like you are sitting off in the corner and getting a kick out
>of
>it all.
>
>Brian Oakley
>Phoenix, Arizona
>[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Tom Exotics [mailto:[email protected]]
>Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2004 10:51 AM
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: RE:
>
>
>That was what I was told by my local pet store to call to find out info
>about the laws. And I did that. I should have not tursted him but it is
>over now and to late snakes are gone I'm out the money and did something I
>shouldn't have done. I have apologized about it on the BOI and still get
>ripped tired of trying to say my piece and then just being torn apart for
>no
>reason after I apoligized and thanked everyone just to be ripped apart
>again
>you understand my side also???
>
>Thanks again
>Tom
>
>
> >From: "Brian Oakley" <[email protected]>
> >To: "Tom Exotics" <[email protected]>
> >Subject: RE: Date: Sun, 25 Jan 2004 10:43:32 -0700
> >
> >Well, I think you should go to the BOI and respond there. If you mean
> >well,
> >and you wish you had some creditability, you would do so. People,
> >including
> >myself, have some questions that are quite relevant. You are the one
>that
> >started the whole thread and now you jump ship. I am sure you can
> >understand peoples frustrations.
> >People that post think it is all good until they stumble over their own
> >words or feel it is too hot to handle. Nobody makes them go on a public
> >forum and post things, but people are the first to jump ship if they do
>not
> >like the response the get from people. This is just a general statement,
> >not just directed at you.
> >
> >Why would you call the Gov.'s office? What is some lady that answers the

> >phone going to know about reptile laws? Like Is aid, and posted on the
>BOI
> >for you to read, there are NO laws that allow venomous reptiles unless
>you
> >are a zoo, circus, or a scientist/professor doing research. I got this
> >right off your state's laws.......no way to question it. Why would you
>not
> >call your local Fish and Wildlife office? That is what they are there
>for.
> >Hell, Governors themselves could not tell you laws on half the stuff in
> >their state.
> >
> >
> >Brian Oakley
> >Phoenix, Arizona
> >[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
> >
> >
> >
> >-----Original Message-----
> >From: Tom Exotics [mailto:[email protected]]
> >Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2004 10:05 AM
> >To: [email protected]
> >Subject: RE:
> >
> >
> >Brian plz do not post my email. I will be glad to email back and forth
> >with
> >you but I just can't handle this anymore snakes are gone yes I did the
> >wrong
> >thing and I'm sorry I can tell you this I will not do any venomous again
> >now
> >that I know all the info plz take my apolige for my wrong doings. I'm
>not
> >a
> >big business or anything just a snake freak and I breed a few of them.
>The
> >last thing I want is to hurt the herp community. Again thanks for the
> >email
> >and Im truely sorry!!
> >
> >Tom
> >
> >
> > >From: "Brian Oakley" <[email protected]>
> > >To: [email protected]
> > >Date: Sun, 25 Jan 2004 01:01:06 -0500
> > >
> > >This is a message from Brian Oakley at FaunaClassifieds Forums (
> > >http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/index.php ). The
>FaunaClassifieds
> > >Forums owners cannot accept any responsibility for the contents of the
> > >email.
> > >
> > >To email Brian Oakley, you can use this online form:
> >
>
>http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/member.php?action=mailform&userid=17
> >52
> > >
> > >OR, by email:
> > >mailto:[email protected]
> > >
> > >This is the message:
> > >
> > >Tom,
> > >I wanted to write you as I am sure you are leary about anything you say
> >on
> > >the BOI now. Do you see where some of your credibility has been lost
> >over
> > >the last few days? You really can't blame people (including myself)
>for
> > >thinking what they have.
> > >
> > >You need to do what is right, especially when it comes to reptiles.
> >There
> > >are SO MANY people that want to bring all of us down, we need to stick
> > >together and do things the 'right way', not just what is easy and
> > >convenient.
> > >
> > >Why do you now say that the snake is dehydrated? I have owned snakes
>for
> > >MANY years and would know that within minutes of seeing one.
> > >Nobody has it out for you, but your stories do not add up at times.
> > >
> > >Why would you be waiting for something at work/at home if you thought
>it
> > >was coming via airlines?
> > >Where did you OR who did you get the information from that it is legal
>to
> > >own venemous as long as you have a permit? Not to bust your ba!!s, but
> > >heck, I found the answer to that in 5 minutes of searching on the net.
> > >What permit were you told you could get?
> > >I know there are other questions/points I have made on the BOI as well
>as
> > >others, but if you would just take the time to be honest, hide nothing
> >and
> > >answer/respond to them you might find people would take you more
> >seriously.
> > > That truly is what I hope for you. I can understand how you might
>WANT
> > >to say things that make you look good, but at times the most admirable
> > >things about people are when they can admit fault or that they werenot
> > >telling the whole story.
> > >I hope to hear form you.
> > >
> > >Brian Oakley
> >
> >_________________________________________________________________
> >There are now three new levels of MSN Hotmail Extra Storage! Learn more.
> >http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-us&page=hotmail/es2&ST=1
> >
>
>_________________________________________________________________
>There are now three new levels of MSN Hotmail Extra Storage! Learn more.
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>

_________________________________________________________________
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This was actually the first email I got back form Tom. He later sent the other one replying to the same original email I sent him.

-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Exotics [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2004 9:56 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE:


I talked to my cousin today and he said they are in shedd and shedding now I
just saw the lwrinkled skin and figured they was dehdrated. He sai dthey
ate again so they are doing fine. I told him if I can get this law stuff
all fiqured out I want them back otherwise I will just have to enjoy them at
his house since they are legal in Missouri like Jason said. And I truely
did call the Illinois Governers of fice in Springfield and the lady that I
talked to said there was a permit and she would send me info mb she was just
the secretary no idea but she did say that and after Jason and others
started bitching at me and posting the info I decided the snakes was going
to cousins until I found out for sure. That is why I came back and
apoloigzed and thanked Jason several times but still got slammed. I have 14
snakes I breed ATBS,GTPS and HOGGS Island Boas so I don't want problems
either. And the shipping info I was told by Noah that they was not
considered venomous by Airborne and he could ship through them and me being
new to venomous I never knew any diffrence since the two venomoids I had
before came Delta it made me question but I trust people to much I guess.
The venmoids I had never got shipped when I sold them since a guy from the
Ozarks in MO purchased them and we meet half way. I have a policy with
FEDEX where I can ship reptiles from door to door but nothing venomous. And
after reading all the info on Noah or whoever they are I got ripped also and
I just figured that Noah and them having I business would be doing the right
thing. Again I trust people to much. So I try to post info on the
transaction and I get ripped apart. And I do understand some of the
bitching I should be more careful and from now on I will that is why I gave
the snakes to cousin until either the law thing I was told was right or he
has new pair of snakes I paid for but can't have but I will do the right
thing. I want my kids and ever other kid to carry on the herp community not
have my careless ness or I think truely not mine as much as Noahs to hurt
any of us

Thanks
Tom
 
contacting Greg

This is Paul, Greg has a website he corresponds through. His site with email address is www.albinorattlers.com

I know Greg, and he has a very good reputation. I also have one of his animals. It is a awesome eastern Diamondback.
 
I have some good news.


I just got an excellent rate on my insurance....................
whoops wrong news.


Anyway...We should not expect any 2004 hets from them
 
I never thought of that! Something to remember if you see any for sale this spring that is for sure.

Just a side note, I see that Kerry is back on here. IF he dicides to post anything, I think we should give him a chance to be heard. I know he was going to be cacthing up onn what he has not read over the last few days.

Just my opinion!
 
ok, I quit posting on here to get away from all of the ridiculous accusations. Today is the first time I visited this thread since my last post. I would have never posted here again if brian would have not called me. Now I hope you all understand I am not bruce. The only reason that I came back on here is once and for all try to communicate with ADULTS, like ADULTS. If anyone has anything to post that you would not like someone to say about yourself. Please don't do so. This is refering to Ms. CLeo, or calling me an outright liar, is CHILDISH, and I will not communicate with peolple that can't help themselves from posting things such as this.
I do know alot about what went on at CRE, Like I said, I just happned to be there the day before the robbery, and I was probably one of the last people to see those piebalds, which were'nt adults as was stated earlier. The reason that I went up there the next day was because I read the thread that was posted on KS in the ball python classifieds the same day the theft was discovered. I guess Bruce posted it that morning. It says the very same thing the one pasted here said, if it is not the same one. I naturally wanted to clear myself of any suspicion, so I went there to talk to Bruce about it. He said the police had it covered, don't worry about it. The Thief knew where certain things were located that I could have never known. ie. Snakebags, tongs, hooks, etc. He informed me of who he thought it was, for several reasons. I can't really remember any specific questions that anyone asked besides those certain ones. So if anybody would like to ask me one in a civilized manner, I will gladly respond to the best of my ability. Retic ed came up with a conclusion aboput the petstore in Mt. Holly. I do absolutely NO business with them. If you think Bruces store is bad, go to that guys store. That is why I don't deal with him, as far as I know him, and Bruce have never even heard of each other. The Mt. Holly guy has little intrest in herps himself. I had no idea that bruce had been convicted of animal crulety in Fla, I have not known the man very long. If you want to ask questions please do so now. Please be sincere. I had no intentions of coming on here and being offensive. I merely was offended myself, and acted irresponsibly. My main concern is that I hate to see a guy like me get blck balled by the boi, or anyone who reads this. I am an honest man, I have a wife and 2 children, and part of our income is created by the animals that I keep and breed. So I hope you can understand me being so offended to some of the accusations that have been made, and I hope that this thread doesn't jeopardize the future of my herp selling, here at home or on the internet.
 
O.k. thats a great start Kerry.

Now, before we go any further I would appreciate you keeping your word and posting your I.D. So far you have only made one promise here on the B.O.I. And that was to post your I.D. if I would. Well, I did and I expect that if you want to be taken seriously (and yes, we want to take you seriously) that you keep your word.

Respectfully,

Michael
 
I know what you mean Kerry part of my income is from the animals I breed and I too am married with 2 kids
 
When Kerry and I were talking this morning, kerry has had some problems posting pics on Fauna. He was referring to what few ads he puts up on the internet.
Now, with that said, and if Kerry chooses to post his ID I would suggest this.

Kerry,
Take a pic of it and email it to me. I will then post it for you, just an offer.

My addy is [email protected]
 
I sent a pic of my id to brian in hopes that he can post it, I can't download or upload anything to fauna, I just can't or can't figure it out. I'm not sure. I figured that mike wouldn't let this go, so I will keep my word and hopefully brian can post it.
 
Here is Kerry's liscense as it was sent to me.
 

Attachments

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Kerry

Ok Kerry so you are a real person and not Bruce. I would like to ask the following questions:
1) Have you been issued a search warrant?
2) Who did Bruce say to you was the coluprit of stealing his snakes?
3) Do you know if Bruce has an alarm system? (he has a sign in the store that says smile your on camera)
4) Have you been questioned by the police and to what extent?
5) Do you know why Bruce will not post on here?
6) Do you know if Bruce has insurance?
7) Did you inform Bruce about this thread and its contents?
Beth
 
No, I have not been issued a search warrant. Bruce told me who he thought was the culprit, it was the guy barry, brian had mentioned I don't know him personally,and was hesitant to post his name, in case he is innocent.

I knew Bruce had the sign up, I have no clue if he really has cameras or not. I have not been questioned by the police. If they want to question me, or come search my house for stolen pythons, let them, I would not protest it, as I respect the law, and know that it works. I have no idea why bruce won't post on here. I haven't even spoken with him since I've posted here. All I know about the insurance, is he said he had none on the snakes. again, I have not spoken with bruce what so ever, and after reading this thread, don't care too. the first reason that I was reluctant to go back and forth on this issue is because bruce owes me a small amount of money, and I didn't want to be stiffed for whatever reason.
 
Well, now that we have the question of who Kerry is figured out, this thread is pretty much dead.

I personally would like to thank him for coming back on here. I know he was very hesitant, but I think he did the right thing.

Kerry,
I know we all work hard and want to take care of our families by selling things. I just hope you reconsider selling to someone who does not take care of their animals......in your own words and of course by the convictions he has against him. You said you do not do allot on line, but like I said, therer is a WHOLE new market out there for you that would allow you to grow as much as you had time/wanted to. Losing one sick person as a client may hurt in the short term, but in the long run it will help you and allow you to have a good conscience about who your animals that you work so hard to raise will go to.

The ony remaining question is what happened to the snakes IF anything at all. I think with the professionalism and attention to detail that law enforcement has these days, it is only a matter of time before we figure this out as well.

I think there is SO MUCH info on here that shows a definate pattern as to how Bruce opperates we all know that he is someone that should we all should stay clear of. Anyone who would pose as their dead father has ZERO respect for themselves and his family. It is sick and twisted and we will never know the reason why he does the things he does. He has spoke on the phone as his dad, he accepts/has deliveries addressed to his dad, he writes checks as his dad. The sad part is, I wonder if his poor mother is aware of any of this.
I wonder how many charges could be filed against someone who does these things. Bruce's whole life is a figment of his own imagination.........Noah, his dad, etc.
I hate to say it, but he definately has what is coming to him.

Should I make one more call? That call being to his mother? I wonder what she would have to say about all this that she would learn her own son is doing?
I have recieved 2 emails from people that are worried about whether or not they have hets. That is just wrong, deceiving people and the trust they put in you is not fair in the slightest. Like I told each of them, I hope it turns out for hte better, but we all know how it is to save money to purchase something these days. It is wrong of someone to take that away from you.

I will be watching the local newspaper there and look forward to seeing what comes out of all this.
If you could help me with that Kerry, I would appreciate it.
 
Kerry...

I'd like to start off by saying I'd like to apolgize to you. This whole HCE/Bruce/Harry/Digital Reptiles thing has been an ongoing discussion, and I guess I took a few things personal when they may have not been directed towards me solely. So with that said, we have some things in common as well (kids) and a passion for reptiles, so that in it's own should be enough to let it go...and we'll just wish the best for all of those who've dropped some significant dollars in some questionable gene carriers. PEACE!!
 
I donot want to speak for everyone so if what I say applies then so be it, but I am speaking about myself.

Like I told Kerry, although we might come across as being crass and very blunt at times, we are all good people down inside somewhere. I know there are pleanty of people that have disagreed with me in the past and I know it will happen again. Besides the very few that come here JUST for drama, we all have a great passion for this industry. If not one of us cared we would not come here and speak so directly about things. It would be so easy for each and every one of us to read this BOI and not have any responses to any of the threads. We all respond because we have something to contribute. Not many just talk to hear themselves talk. We try to give advice, answer questions, give advice and our points of view. No, not all are agreed upon at all times, but that is what makes this board so neat.
I was telling Kerry today that I really do not post here all that often, but there are some threads that pop up and I can not resist. Not that I can't resist speaking my mind, but I really believe there is something I can do to contribute and help. Emotions do get envolved at times, but when the dust settles everything goes back to normal for the most part.

I guess the whole point I am trying to make is there are good people here. If we did not care, this BOI would not be a success like it is. We all look out for one another and, yes, we will single out the people that are not doing things so well. I do not believe it is really to condem the bad, but it is to keep us all together and watch out for one another.

This thread is a prime example of the good that can come out. Although one person might be labeled a 'bad guy', I believe it will make this industry and passion of ours a stronger one in the long run.

It would have been so easy for Kerry to hang up on me today and that is what I told him I was expecting. After getting through the tough first few minutes, it was like talking to any of you all that might have spoke with me in the past. We had a good conversation and both wanted to get to the bottom of a very unfortunate situation. That is what it is all about......sticking together and looking for the good at the end of the long dark tunnel.
It was funny, one of the last things he said to me was how nice it was to talk to me (more or less) and that he enjoys meeting new people. What a way to meet someone new in this case, some stranger calling form across the country to question him. He was very positivve about the whole situation and I thought it was quite neat.

For now................
 
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