Deputies find several rattlesnakes, pot plants inside Canton home

CANTON, Ga. — Deputies in Cherokee County got more than they bargained for when they were called out for a welfare check in Canton over the weekend.

When deputies went into the home off Goodwin Road, they found several marijuana plants -- and nine live rattlesnakes, seven of which were southwestern speckled diamondbacks.

In other words, they are venomous snakes that are not from Georgia.

"We get snake calls often, but not rattlesnake calls. So, that's what made this a little bit more unusual," said Jay Baker, with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

Police arrested the homeowner, Richard Rolands, 55, for charges related to the marijuana, but more charges could be coming.

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Officials said it is illegal in Georgia to own venomous snakes that aren't from Georgia.

According to the police report, Rolands admitted to breeding and selling the snakes.

Neighbor Christina Yancy said she had no clue what was going on right across the street.

"Me and my husband didn't know what was going on at the time," Yancy said.

Yancy said she has two small dogs and doesn't want any rattlesnakes around her house.

Officials with the Sheriff's Office said there is no indication that any of the snakes escaped and, according to the police report, family members were called to help care for Rolands' wife.

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