A Phenix City man has been arrested for illegally selling rattlesnakes. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has charged William Gornto with 57 counts of possession of non-native venomous reptiles. The 47-year-old Gornto was charged October 3rd after investigators searched his home. Officers found 35 Western Diamondback, 19 Prairie and three Black Tail Rattlesnakes. Alabama law prohibits selling or possessing non-native snakes without a permit. If convicted, Gornto faces a $500 fine per count and six months in jail. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division Enforcement Chief Allan Andress says these snakes pose a serious threat to people, and could threaten native wildlife had they escaped and began to breed. ADCNR urges people to call 334.242.3467 or 800.272.4263 if they have information about non-native venemous reptiles being held in captivity.