I wonder how he was transporting it, that it was able to escape? I don't know the laws in W. VA, but they have a point about failing to control a dangerous animal, IMO.
That's a great question, what they'd do if it was a dangerous dog instead? I would expect maybe a citation, but more severe charges if anyone is hurt as a result? But
the other question is whether this was a legal pet to begin with...if the owner had any permits for it, if needed by local laws?
I know one thing for sure...our community of snake-keepers doesn't need this sort of publicity.

I hope they find it. Remember too that exotic animals released into
the wild can carry risks of diseases & non-native parasites that can threaten our native herps...that matters a great deal to me.
I see it got loose at the end of May, so it's been loose for a month now so far; that woods is so thick with growth, they'd have to get really lucky to spot it.