The federal government doesn't want 41 venomous snakes seized from a man prosecutors say had coerced a young girl to pose with the reptiles.
John Joseph Maillet pleaded guilty Sept. 8 to production of child pornography and possession of a firearm by a felon in federal court in Gulfport. He agreed to give up the snakes, guns and computer equipment.
A judge on Wednesday approved a request by Prosecutor Scott Gilbert to remove the snakes from a list of forfeited property. Court records described the snakes as venomous but didn't identify them further nor say what will happen to them.
Gilbert didn't immediately respond Thursday to a message.
Maillet, originally from Port Jervis, N.Y., faces up to 30 years imprisonment at sentencing scheduled Dec. 8.