• Responding to email notices you receive.
    **************************************************
    In short, DON'T! Email notices are to ONLY alert you of a reply to your private message or your ad on this site. Replying to the email just wastes your time as it goes NOWHERE, and probably pisses off the person you thought you replied to when they think you just ignored them. So instead of complaining to me about your messages not being replied to from this site via email, please READ that email notice that plainly states what you need to do in order to reply to who you are trying to converse with.

  • IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ!! About the Google Adsense ads being displayed

    =====================
    Posted 08/15/2025
    =====================


    Yeah, I know. They are a pain in the butt. But they pay the bills to keep my server running. Just a fact of life, I am afraid.

    Want to get rid of them? Simple. Just become a Contributor level member or above and they will be gone. -> Please click HERE."

    Is that too much for me to ask of you to keep this site running? Well, sorry about that. I too wish I could get everything for free. But alas.....

    =====================
    Addendum: 01/10/2026
    =====================


    Google Adsense ad revenue for December, 2025 was just $30 over the cost of the lease for the server running this site. So, in effect, the money providing the incentive for me to continue running this site is coming SOLELY from the paid memberships and sponsorships here. Which honestly ain't much....

THE SNAKE PIT WAS BURGLARIZED *AGAIN* LAST NIGHT!!

I think that someone needs to get to Thornton and have him sign a release of the file so that way Rich Z. can post it.It seems that Thornton wants to tell the story of where the  money went.From what Neil has said Thornton called his (Neil's) dAd and told him that Neil has it or part of it.I can not figure out why he would call and tell someone that unless part of it was true.We know the Neil knew Thornton Prior to the burglary,Weknow that Neil was the only person that could get in touch with Thornton and now we have Thornton telling Neil's dad that Neil took the Money.
 
Rhacc - ditto. About 30 pages ago before this turned into a brawl I was even looking at donating AGAIN to help out.  I suppose I would like to see Neil clear all this up now for the selfish motive of determining that I am not the most gullible sucker alive in the United States.  So then Neil, if you are reading this then please do answer these questions about the discrepancies as I'm sure I wasn't the only one who was putting a lot of faith in you. Shutting Dave up or even winning a lawsuit against him does not help you here anymore. Respectfully, please answer the questions to the best of your ability. When you replied angrily in private to some of the inquirers you in essence answered angrily to everyone whether you realize it or not because they represent all the people here that have the same questions in their mind.
 
43 Pages and counting.... I just read this entire thread (I guess I had a little too much free time&#33<img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'> and can't believe that it has reached epic proportion.  Unfortunately, I think one thing is very evident.  For those of you out there that are looking for a "T.V." ending where things are proven without a shadow of a doubt by a flashy lawyer, I think you are going to be disappointed.  Even with this PI report, I don't think this will be a clear case of "He done it."  Therefore, this thread is liable to continue indefinitely (no problem here as it is interesting).  

With that said, I am rather disappointed at the rash of hostility pointed towards anyone who questions Neil.  Simply questioning the man does not by any means insinuate that he is guilty.  I think the list of questions presented by Ritchie Luna are reasonable. If we can get the answers, they would help shed light a great deal of light on this subject.  

Unfortunately, I do find the lack of responses rather suspect.

Personally, I think it was the butler that did it!

Well, enough rambling on my part.
 
Chris -N- Arnie Thompson,
           I am not taking either side here!!  BUT!  PLEASE!!
Put me on your list also!!!!
 Thank You,
           Tom
 
Dave. To your knowledge, did anyone see the damage done to Neils store and contents after the alleged break-in in Dec? If it was as Neil described, it would take days to clean up and replace all the tanks. If the police were not called after all the damage done and the animals slaughtered, you have to wonder why. Up here that would have been front page stuff and a vigilante group would have been looking for the butcher. If the police were not called, in my mind that means one of 2 things. 1) it never happened. 2) It happened, and Neil did not want the perp. to be found. In either case that would mean that Neil has been lieing big time! If there are other explainations that I am not thinking of, please let me know.


 Neil. You have been "TALKING THE TALK" for an awful long time now. Can you "walk the walk?"
 
Webslave, please leave this one up. Even though it concerns matter belonging to another thread.

Wait a minute. Something is VERY ODD here.

Dave, you said:

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">That is why Neil had a bogus e-mail sent to me acting as a attorney </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

Is this the e-mail:

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Mr. Lawson:
Mr. Gubitz has retained me to terminate your libelous posts to the BOI and pursue all available legal remedies.   We demand that you stop now. Persistence will increase the adverse consequences. Govern yourself accordingly and consult an attorney at your earliest convenience.

Philip D. Townes, Attorney
37 North Orange Avenue,
Suite 500
Post Office Box 3111
Orlando, Florida 32802-3111
Phone: 407-926-4052

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS EMAIL AND/OR ATTACHMENTS IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL USE OF THE INTENDED RECIPIENT. THIS MESSAGE MAY BE AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT COMMUNICATION, AND AS SUCH IS PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL. IF THE READER OF THIS MESSAGE IS NOT THE INTENDED RECIPIENT(S) OR AN AGENT RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING IT TO THE INTENDED RECIPIENT(S), YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS DOCUMENT IN ERROR. ANY REVIEW, DISSEMINATION, DISTRIBUTION OR COPYING OF THIS MESSAGE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS COMMUNICATION IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY BY TELEPHONE OR EMAIL AND DELETE THE ORIGINAL MESSAGE. THANK YOU.
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

Now the attorney's name is: Philip D. Townes, correct? Are you saying that Phil Townes is not really an attorney? Or that he didn't contact you? Or did the e-mail not originate from him? Are you saying that someone used his name? Are you saying that Phil Townes is not a real person? Are you saying that Phil Townes is acting as an attorney?

Here is where it gets interesting. Let me clarify, as I have to mildly stray off topic. Now most of us remember Steve/ Steve Jokes/ Steve Jokela/ Bob Jalinoski, correct? He has been trashing me in several different boards and forums. In my replies, I have asked that anyone who sees him trashing me somewhere to please notify me. Several people have. Well I received a personal e-mail yesterday from a Phil Townes. This is it:

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">


From:  Philip Townes <@(I removed his address for privacy)>  [ Save address ]  
To:  [email protected]  
Subject:  trash talking  
Date:  Tue, 21 May 2002 23<img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>3:20 -0700 (PDT)  
"Steve" trashed you the CFHS Forum. You seem like a
fair guy on the BOI, so I thought I should let you
know.
Phil Townes


"Posted by steve on May 20, 2002 at 20:54:56:

john reese in north florida-fort white area,he ripped
me off for 1500 dollars he is [email protected]
please get your money before you hand over anything
dont make same mistake i did,and think he is coming
back"



</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

I edited Phil's e-mail address for privacy and to avoid bringing problems to him. I also replied to him thanking him for his concern. Anyhow, I believe Phil Townes to be a real person as you can see. In his e-mail address, it has a word(s) that indicate an interest in or more so an occupation in the legal field. Which in turn indicates to me that Mr. Townes is an actual lawyer or is currently occupying a position in the legal area.

So I ask you now, Dave. Please clarify your thoughts and opinions regarding the "attorney"'s e-mail sent to you. Thank you for your time and please respond.
 
I called the phone # on the Email.
It goes direct to voice mail with out any message ........
no greeting no nothing. Wyh would you not ID your company....
 
Hmmm...
Very interesting point, Bob.

And yet, a further slant to the story.  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>
 
Chris,
   I just wanted to say Thank You. I'm just happy to be on a list.
   I would just like to thank you, the BIO, my family for helping me get on the list and well I know I may be forgeting some people. So thank you all that have helped in some way for me making the list.


ROTFLMAO  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

Frank
 
Philip D. Townes of Orlando, Florida, is definitely a real attorney. Proof to that can be found here:

http://www.eog.state.fl.us/eog/govdocs/legal/statesaty/9th/staff.html

Now, the question remains-has Neil really retained his services? Or did he just grab the name of any (relatively) local attorney from the web?

As of now, both emails and phone calls to his offices have gone unanswered.
 
Well I've stayed out of this post after seeing it first appear as a sympathy post (at least that's what I was giving neil) and it having developed into what it is now, two guys going at it over things none of us will probably ever be made aware of.   I do resent the attacks launched on Ritchie (and others) for asking simple, straight-forward questions.   What I've seen from Ritchie, Darrin and a few others is questions posed to both sides of the disagreement about proof, not a singling out of one person or the reputed "witch hunt" previously mentioned.  I have to admit I'm very puzzled by the lack of answers to questions, issues with honesty (several admitted lies have been addressed already) and the general nastiness being directed at anyone questioning the validity of Neil's claims.  Now I've yet to decide who I think is telling the truth, and who is simply on a vendetta to destroy the other person's reputation (between Neil and Dave). I can say though that I'll never look at one dealer again in the same light I had before.  The decision I have made is to not deal with either of the two main parties involved..  Now I know my Northern California cash-flow to Florida for reptiles will not make or break either of the parties, but guess what, I along with many other breeders that read this post have pretty loyal contingents of customers who will be warned of the whole ordeal.  Whether or not Neil or Dave is found guilty of the accusations leveled at one another is not of issue to me anymore, but the conduct I've seen has given me great insight into the business dealings of these two individuals.. Yes, I'll continue to spend my money with Mark and Kim Bell, Ben Siegel and many of the other fine breeders of reptiles there in Florida.. My customer referrals will also go to the reliable sources.  As for Rich Z, man I feel for you.. Stealing a line from National Lampoons Vegas Vacation, "I haven't seen a beating like this since someone stuck a banana down the front of my pants and turned a monkey loose".  I think I can echo the sentiments of many involved with advertising or participating on this board in that we do not hold you at all responsible.. You are doing the Herp community a service, and have gained my respect in doing so.  Keep your chin up as you've proven yourself to be a really stand-up guy and I look forward to meeting you in Daytona and buying you a beer at Molly Browns
<img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

Just my thoughts,  Stephen Emerick


Napa Valley Snakes

P.S.  Ritchie, with my having served in the Marine Corps, you've inspired me to make a change to my website and terms.  From now on we will offer a 10% discount on any reptiles purchased from us by either active duty, reserve or retired military personnel (no, the branch doesn't matter  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>  )
Our way at Napa Valley Snakes of thanking those that serve our fine country...
 
Ritchie,

"Bahwal malingat sala asso"  (sp?)

Thats our Ritchie



'82-'88 USAF
 
I do not know if this person is a attorney or not.I called this morning and the person pickup the phone....Yeah ? I call back and the same person answered "offices"I spoke to a man that sounded half asleep I told him of the posting of the letter,To my surprise he said ,"WHAT" I told him thank I was forwarding it to the bar ass.,TPD. AND AOL ATTACHED TO A COMPLAINT.I gave him my attornies name and number said thank and hung up.I have never heard of a attorny sending legal documents by e-mail.

To answer a earlier question,I did see the place and what I saw was this,maybe 15 tank that had the glass broken,3 dead baby red ear sliders and in the back was some tanks full of the animals that were find.I was told that day they 90% of the animals were recovered 4 were d.o.a. there was not 1 drop of blood anywhere.Here is what I found interesting,On the counter was a piece of paperstapled to a buisness card it had the remain of cole slaw on it.I ask Angie what it was (I already knew,I read it)she told me Neil was to fill it out and return it to the police.I did ask Neil and was told "the f**king cop are usless why waste the time".It was a statement form to be filled out so a report could be made,Neil tossed it.Again people will testify to this in court .
 
Another point I am confused about:

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">8. $500+IN CASH!
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

That was the amount of cash listed as taken in this latest burglary (1st post, 1st page of this thread). That is also the amount listed in the burglary reported on 10/04/98. Just a couple of questions. Is $500.00 regularly kept on hand at the Snake Pit (no, I am not casing Neil's place)? Also, would that mean in the other 2 burglaries, that $500.00 was taken then too? Why the exact (or very near exact) same amounts taken in both burglaries?
 
I have a idea,I want whomever to call me in the mouning and I will tell you the evidance I have to prove Neil did this,But in return I want each persons word that they will not post or have it posted .This is to protect the people that are willing to go to court against Neil.Email me and I will give you my number.
 
More confusion:

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">But you can see from the report that he said 1.1 Albino redtail Boas were taken.That is what was turned into the insurance company,and the paid him for the pair.

I know that if I were to have a pair of Albino Boas stolen I would remember that.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

Didn't he say it was a 6ft. female? Whereas in the report it was listed as (2) 5ft. Albino Redtails.

Hmmm....
 
[QUOTEWhere is the december police report?
Does it actually exist?
How long did you stay in contact with James Thornton after the burglaries and donations?
How long have you known that his daughter was in the hospital?
Where did the money go?
Why did you lie to the PI about your regular contacts with Thornton]

We're still waiting..................................................

Casey Hulse
 
Quote from Neil
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">if you come in this store...I will SHOW YOU every police report from ALL FOUR burglaries!!</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

Guess what Dave....I know what you are talking about.....I know that the police report for December just sat on the counter.  that it was never filed.  (Hence the lack of a police report number)
 
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