Friday, Feb. 15, 2013

BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) -- U.S. Attorney's officials say a 24-year-old man has been convicted of lying to federal authorities about a potentially deadly snake bite.

Officials say John Kenneth Rosenbaum, of Jacksonville, Fla. lied about being bitten by a black mamba snake in November of 2011. Rosenbaum's lawyer, James Newton, says he was delirious after being bitten by a cobra and never intended to mislead anyone. Court officials say the cobra was Rosenbaum's pet.

The man was hospitalized with two puncture wounds and had the words "Black Mamba" scrawled across his arm in black marker.

Officials say Rosenbaum's claim prompted an investigation by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and other county and city agencies in Georgia and Florida.

Rosenbaum faces up to five years in prison.

(Copyright 2013, The Associated Press)