James Stelpflug SW Wisconsin reptiles is a liar

[ravensgait]

Well maybe the two of you should have waited till you had the time to come here.. Like I said before we can say anything here, maybe it was 3 grand you ripped my friend off for or maybe it was 10...

Might be an idea to get with your buddy and get your ducks in a row and then post here.. Or I could start a thread here on the BOI asking Till Ollendick for the truth, now there is a novel idea. Randy

 

[HerpOly]

I have not lied. The albino was bred to a cinnamon,and Jim has not had any cinnamon het albinos. Bill and Jim talked about breeding Bills animals before Jim did. Bill does not always remember things. Instead of breeding an albino to an albino Jim bred it to a cinnamon so Bill had an opportunity to make more money. The snakes were being bred starting in January and the male was rotated with females for a few months. This included Bill's animals and he was at Jim's every week until about April or May. At that time Bill decided he was mad at Jim for who knows what.

You can start a thread on me if you like, but I am only telling you what I saw. No one has offered a statement saying anything contrary to what I said. Bill and Linda duck the questions asked to them about what they kept in their home. I have hid nothing.

 

[ravensgait]

Gee Tim no one has offered anything to refute what I've said about you either... Might want to let your buddy come here and speak for himself instead of you speaking for him.

Tim your sticking up for your buddy, fine and dandy but I for one want to hear it from the horses mouth, so to speak not second or third hand. You seem to keep missing that point . Randy

 

[damian47]

We're the couple that were raided back in January. We'd like to thank everyone for their support and e-mails. The Dubuque Three the three baby sand boas) are doing fine. We got them back and they are now living the good life outside the city of Dubuque. Through the legal system, the city of Dubuque gave us the name of the person who lied to them causing the January 3 raid on our home. The city of Dubuque stated it was James Stelpflug of SW Wisconsin Reptiles, Dickeyville, WI. We thought he was a friend. He turned on us for no reason and lied to the city officials telling them we had pythons, boa constrictors, and venomous snakes. All of which are illegal in the city of Dubuque. We obviously did not have them or it would have made headlines. It's true that you can't trust some people, but at the same time there are good people that backed us and stood beside us to no end.

Back to the start here.
I talked to Wayne Buchholtz this morning about this matter. To his knowledge you haven't recieved the boas back but rather you had the 2 milks returned after WI DNR chose not to file charges. Were the boas returned?? I called the Dubuque Dept of City Health but they won't release most of the info over the phone but did agree to sent a hard copy to me. They did say that fines were paid for the City violations.

IA DNR didn't file any charges since the animals involved didn't fall into their jursidiction.

The 2 milks were WI DNR
The 3 boas were Dubuque city ordinance
The Indigo is at a federal level

The Indigo has definatly not been returned and with any luck I can get ahold of the Federal officer from Des Moines to see what charges are still pending on it.

So to this point the facts are;
You had a ball python at your residence,
You had boas at your residence,
You had a federaly protected indigo at your residence.

No deffinate proof on the venomous but speculation.

Your obviosly not having them or makeing headlines quote is wearing thin with me.

Did Jim do right by coperating with the athorities???
I don't know enough on that yet, but this was definatly in place well before his complaint was sent. The neighbors had made numerous complaints to the city and health dept. They even started a petition agianst them. Saying Jim did all of this is ridiculious!! Claiming he was a liar when in fact everything he stated has been proved.The only thing he stated I haven't proved at this point is whether or not pythons and boas were present at the Dupage sale. I spoke to a former president of the IA herp society about the Des Moines sale and he confirmed that he saw the pythons and boas for sale and also a hognose which is illegal to posess in IA.

So is Jim a LIAR???
Nice try.

 

[Stardust]

I am not saying anyone is 100% right or wrong here but if Jim were so right why isn't he on here?
The he doesn't have ANY time is rather lame to say the least.

 

[Hawkeyeherps]

I can tell you why Jim is not on here, it's because as soon as someone responds everyone else jumps down their throat. Ten people start firing questions and if they are not answered in 20 minutes (as if everyone has time to sit at their computer all day) they are accused of lying or hiding the truth. I don't blame Jim for not coming on here. We are up to 25 pages and most of it is nonsense. Now someone will probably make some remark about me and demand an answer. They won't get it.

I know both parties. I have personally seen Bill and Linda with animals on their table that would not be allowed in Dubuque. I know they possess many animals that would not be allowed in Dubuque. I have never been to their house and I do NOT know that they don't have another place to keep their animals.
I know that Bill and Jim were once good friends. I have seen Bill work at Jim's house. I have seen both of them become annoyed with each other. I know that they have very different personalities. I am NOT surprised that they had a disagreement.

I know Tim. Tim is not a liar in my eyes. Tim is defending Jim because he is a good and loyal friend. Tim knows the facts because he works with (for) Jim selling animals and witnessed most of what happened first hand.

I have talked to both parties since these events and was presenting two very conflicting stories. I would have to say that I would believe Jim before I would believe Bill and Linda.

I would also have to side with the people stating that any time someone has animals that they are not supposed to have, even if the law is ridiculous, it puts the rest of us in jeopardy.

 

[ssmith_1187]

I’m not saying a Jim is either a good guy or bad guy, but I will say that I was disappointed in my one and only contact with him.

Last year I decided to purchase my first snake (a corn snake) and found Jim through doing a search for local breeders.

I looked at Jim's website (in July and August of 2006) and it was dated. If I recall correctly, at the time it hadn't been updated in about 2 years. I sent Jim an e-mail (though I didn't save it) inquiring about whether or not he was still in the business, his reply and my follow-up is below. I did take the liberty of switching to order of the e-mails to make it easier to read.

Now don't get me wrong, I certainly understand that a single corn snake sale wasn't going to allow Jim to comfortably retire 5 years ahead of schedule…but as I stated earlier I was disappointed in his 3 word reply to my original inquiry and his failure to follow up to the e-mail I sent below. Like I said, I'm not saying Jim is either a good guy or bad guy however, I do think the way he handled our correspondence was a little crummy.

Regards,
Steve

> ---- [email protected] wrote:
> > Yes I do
> >
> > Jim
>
> Date: Thu, 3 Aug 2006 13:21:09 -0700
> From: <[email protected]>
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: Re: Southwest Wisconsin Reptiles
>
> Jim,
>
> Thank you for the reply.
>
> I am interested in obtaining as "Normal" (Okeetee) corn snake, preferably a
> female though I have no ambition to breed.
>
> I have set up my enclosure, a 29 Gal All-Glass Critter Cage, and am currently in
> the process of making sure I can establish and maintain my “cool” side (mid 70’s
> degrees) and “warm” side (80-86 degrees) temperatures.
>
> I’ve read Kathy and Bill Love’s Corn Snakes The Comprehensive Owner’s Guide and
> Pjilippe de Vosjoli’s The Art of Keeping Snakes. While I’m certainly not an
> expert, I think I have a solid (albeit basic) understanding about the care a
> nurturing of corn snakes.
>
> Given I have set up a larger initial enclosure, I am leaning toward obtaining a
> juvenile versus a hatchling corn. What is your current inventory of juvenile Okeetee
> corns?
>
> I would prefer to purchase my snake from a local breeder and I look forward to talking to
> you some more about your inventory.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Steven C. Smith

 

[damian47]

I think Steve found Jim's true fault. If you depend on a computer to talk with Jim you will be disappointed. I've bought numerous animals from Jim and yes his replies to emails are short and untimely. On the other hand I've called Jim and he's taken the time to explain MANY things to me at length even when he's extreamly busy, leaveing me unable to take in all of the knowledge that he just unloaded onto me. He has a large operation that I'm sure takes ALOT of time. I guess he isn't like me, being able to piss away hours a day on the internet that's really accomplishing nothing. LOL If you ever see him at a show he is more than willing to take time and answer you'r questions and give you pointers. I've never been disapointed with the quality of animals I've recieved from him and if I'm looking for something he doesn't have he's gone the extra mile to find it for me.

 

[ssmith_1187]

The breeder that I eventually did buy from has been unbelievable and I would venture to say the she is just as if not more busy than Jim.

My first snake I received from her we both feel was an example of a “failure to thrive”. We tried everything under the sun to get the little guy going, be he just didn’t make it. She was more than generous on his replacement and my new little girl is doing just great. The key to this whole process has been communication. She has been ALWAYS been there to answer questions via e-mail and the turn around time on her responses is nothing short of amazing.

I saw Jim’s display at a show a couple of month’s ago, and you’re right, he’s got some really nice animals and I was even tempted to talk to him about a really nice Apricot Pueblan he had…unfortunately first impressions are made...well only once.

Regards,
Steve

 

[ravensgait]

Guys some proof please.. Like I said before anyone can post whatever they like about someone else. We don't know you folks so why would we just take your word for anything here??? All we've seen is a letter that makes your buddy look pretty bad so how about some real proof, not what you think or think you know but something people here can see and say well there ya go that convinces me..

Shawn that may be but he should be here giving his side of the story and gee how many days has this thread been around,, I bet he's been on line a time or two since this thread started. So time for Jim to step out from behind you guys and speak for himself...

I see this mess as bad news for both parties but Jim's unwillingness to come here and his cheerleaders that are here make him look worse. But then those that hide and let others talk for them have always bothered me ... Randy

 

[Hawkeyeherps]

No offense Randy, but I don't see what Jim has to gain by coming on here. If he's a good guy and gives good service then he can rely on his repeat customers and word of mouth to stay in business. I doubt that this thread will change the mind of anyone he has ever dealt with in the past, good or bad. So maybe he will not get your business or some other people who haunt this site, I can't imagine that this bothers him.
If you want the story from Jim, call him on the phone, his number is publicly available. I'm sure he'll talk your ear off.

Jim is not hiding behind me, I haven't talked to him in a few months. I have known him for 12 years, however, and I trusted him enough to buy many hets over the years. If you don't trust him, that's fine, I understand your position, but stop trying to subpoena him here. If he hasn't shown up by now, he's probably not going to show up.

Contrary to what many of you believe, not showing up here to give your side does not imply guilt. No one is compelled to respond here, this is not a court of law that issues subpoenas. No matter what Jim says, the title of this thread will not change and nobody who does a casual inquiry about Jim is going to read all 26 pages. The damage is done at this point, guilty or not guilty and I say again that he has nothing to gain by responding.

 

[damian47]

Guys some proof please.. Like I said before anyone can post whatever they like about someone else. We don't know you folks so why would we just take your word for anything here??? All we've seen is a letter that makes your buddy look pretty bad so how about some real proof, not what you think or think you know but something people here can see and say well there ya go that convinces me..

Shawn that may be but he should be here giving his side of the story and gee how many days has this thread been around,, I bet he's been on line a time or two since this thread started. So time for Jim to step out from behind you guys and speak for himself...

I see this mess as bad news for both parties but Jim's unwillingness to come here and his cheerleaders that are here make him look worse. But then those that hide and let others talk for them have always bothered me ... Randy

i didn't know I was a "cheerleader". I'm not speaking for Jim he can choose to do that if he wants. I'm telling how I see this situation and have stated what I've found by calling people for information. Just because you can't find this information typed on the internet doesn't mean it isn't factual. You could do the same as I did and contact the neighbors, IA DNR, Federal Fish & Wildlife Services, and Dubuque Dept. of City Health. I'm sure you could get the same answers as I did if you would like to confirm them.
There's 2 things I've gotten from this thread;
1. I'll never do business with Bill and Linda after the way they tried to fabricate a scheme against a former friend
2. There are alot of people on Fauna that think that the little they know on something entitles them to be judge, jury, and exicutioner.

 

[Stardust]

No offense Randy, but I don't see what Jim has to gain by coming on here. If he's a good guy and gives good service then he can rely on his repeat customers and word of mouth to stay in business. I doubt that this thread will change the mind of anyone he has ever dealt with in the past, good or bad. So maybe he will not get your business or some other people who haunt this site, I can't imagine that this bothers him.
If you want the story from Jim, call him on the phone, his number is publicly available. I'm sure he'll talk your ear off.

Jim is not hiding behind me, I haven't talked to him in a few months. I have known him for 12 years, however, and I trusted him enough to buy many hets over the years. If you don't trust him, that's fine, I understand your position, but stop trying to subpoena him here. If he hasn't shown up by now, he's probably not going to show up.

Contrary to what many of you believe, not showing up here to give your side does not imply guilt. No one is compelled to respond here, this is not a court of law that issues subpoenas. No matter what Jim says, the title of this thread will not change and nobody who does a casual inquiry about Jim is going to read all 26 pages. The damage is done at this point, guilty or not guilty and I say again that he has nothing to gain by responding.

You're right. If he did not even show up for his first real court date he probably won't bother showing up here either.
If he does not care enough about potential new customers than that is his prerogative but it does say something about his character, at least to me.
It also sends me the message that maybe he is not fully free of guilt in his mind either otherwise he would just come on here and answer some simple questions.
I am not part of any lynch mob, all I want is to hear his side of the story from him personally.

 

[Hawkeyeherps]

I am not part of any lynch mob, all I want is to hear his side of the story from him personally.

If you're really that interested then call him. His phone number is listed on his website, swreptile.com.

 

[monkeywrench133]

There's 2 things I've gotten from this thread;
1. I'll never do business with Bill and Linda after the way they tried to fabricate a scheme against a former friend
2. There are alot of people on Fauna that think that the little they know on something entitles them to be judge, jury, and exicutioner.

Fair enough, those may be your opinions, and you are more than welcome to them.

However, here are two FACTS that have been PROVEN in this thread:

1) Bill had to sue James Stelpflug in small claims court of Lancaster Co, WI to secure the return of his property. Bill sued James, won, and James was ordered to return Bill's property that day. James was also order to pay Bill's court costs. A link to those records has been posted.

2) James Stelpflug did write a letter to the Dubuque Animals control "ratting out" Bill and Linda. A scan of that letter has been posted, it does in fact exist.

Object all you want, but the people here are free to draw whatever conclusions, and form whatever opinions they want about James Stepflug based on those two facts.

 

[ravensgait]

Shawn why would I call him?? So that I could come here and add to the second hand BS that is already here?? Now that would be about as helpful here as you have been. You have some proof then post it, real proof not what you heard ETC ETC.

This isn't a court of law not by a long shot But it is here to stay and many people look here before buying. Also yeah many will take his not showing up here as an admission of guilt that's just the way it is. If you can't take the time to explain yourself and defend your name what else can you expect.

i didn't know I was a "cheerleader". I'm not speaking for Jim he can choose to do that if he wants. I'm telling how I see this situation and have stated what I've found by calling people for information. Just because you can't find this information typed on the internet doesn't mean it isn't factual. You could do the same as I did and contact the neighbors, IA DNR, Federal Fish & Wildlife Services, and Dubuque Dept. of City Health. I'm sure you could get the same answers as I did if you would like to confirm them.

There's 2 things I've gotten from this thread;

1. I'll never do business with Bill and Linda after the way they tried to fabricate a scheme against a former friend

2. There are alot of people on Fauna that think that the little they know on something entitles them to be judge, jury, and exicutioner.

Mike as to your last two sentences maybe you should re read the thread you've missed some. As Erin pointed out the only real proof here makes it look like Jim did bad things to the pooch.

Your telling us how you see things, a friend of Jim's who seems more than a little biased. I'm telling you how I see things for the point of view of having no dog in this hunt. This is where this issue has been brought not on another web site or anywhere else and here is where most people in this hobby look before buying. Like Small Claims Court it sure helps your cause if you show up. Or don't and live with the opinions people form after reading this, that's Jim's choice to make.

Mike you and Shawn can defend your friend but if it were you this thread were about can you honestly say you wouldn't lay out your side of the story here??? I know I would and if you look through the threads on this forum you'll see hundreds who did come here. Randy

 

[Hawkeyeherps]

Shawn why would I call him?? So that I could come here and add to the second hand BS that is already here?? Now that would be about as helpful here as you have been.

Wow, I hate to get sucked into this thing because it's not my fight, but DUH Randy. How would calling him be getting second hand information? Is it not the same as him typing here? You seem to be the most worried about this situation and you seem to have a million questions for Jim so I say again, if you are so worried about this, CALL him instead of calling him out.

What you would then post is your opinion, which is all that you are currently posting, and I could then get back to writing the paper I am working on and this thread can die.

 

[Stardust]

Wow, I hate to get sucked into this thing because it's not my fight, but DUH Randy. How would calling him be getting second hand information? Is it not the same as him typing here? You seem to be the most worried about this situation and you seem to have a million questions for Jim so I say again, if you are so worried about this, CALL him instead of calling him out.

What you would then post is your opinion, which is all that you are currently posting, and I could then get back to writing the paper I am working on and this thread can die.

Yes it would be.
If I were to call him he would be giving me first hand info in his own words but then if I turn around and post in here I would then have to say "he said" and try to explain as best I could what he actually said without using a recorder to get verbatim and even then people can and have played with recorders.
Now if JIM would come on here and answer and explain his side it would be him using his words, his interpretations, not someone elses.

 

[Hawkeyeherps]

I understand the difference Rozann, what I am saying is that if he hasn't shown up yet he's probably not going to show up and you guys repeatedly calling him out only adds to the bandwidth (as I am unfortunately doing as well). if you're really interested in the truth, for your own satisfaction, then call him up. If you are promoting the interest of the greater community, you are wasting bandwidth.

To use Randy's terms, I've got no dog in this fight and only a passing interest in this whole thing. What I'm trying to add is common sense which dictates that banging the drums louder and louder is not going to bring him out so let this thing just die. (I should take my own advice on that one.)

 

[Jim O]

To use Randy's terms, I've got no dog in this fight and only a passing interest in this whole thing.

Actually you can hardly be called impartial as you have a favorable opinion of Jim.

I have known him for 12 years, however, and I trusted him enough to buy many hets over the years.

Whether he comes here or not it will be hard for him to refute the two basic facts. First, he lost a lawsuit so a judge agreed that he was in the wrong. Second, he wrote a letter to Dubuque authorities reporting Bill and Linda.

If he comes here, he has nothing to gain because those are pretty well established facts. His "excuse" of being too busy is a weak one, as the fact is he deserves the drubbing he would get. His choosing not to get it shows his (lack of) character.