Tiger killings suspects give not guilty pleas

A Cape Girardeau couple charged with conspiracy in the slaying of four tigers pleaded innocent in federal court Tuesday.

Represented by separate attorneys, Todd and Vicki Lantz each entered their pleas before U.S. District Judge Lewis M. Blanton and are scheduled for trial early next year.

Todd Lantz is represented by Jeff Rosenswank of the federal public defender's office, and lawyer Matt Hill was appointed to represent Vicki Lantz.

Indictments against the couple, who own and operate Lazy L Exotics, allege that in February 1998, Todd Lantz purchased and transported four tigers from an exotic animal dealer in Arkansas with the goal of selling them to someone who planned to kill the animals.

Vicki Lantz was accused of accepting $4,000 for the tigers, then preparing a federal form indicating they were going to donate the animals.

Tiger hides can fetch from $5,000 to $20,000, and the meat can be sold for a large profit, said Scott Flaherty, of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Vicki Lantz is scheduled to appear in court for pre-trial motions Jan. 9 and trial for Todd Lantz is scheduled for Feb. 25.

They had been released on bonds of $25,000 earlier this month, since their strong ties to the Southeast Missouri area insure they aren't a risk for not appearing in court, a prosecutor said.