COEUR D'ALENE -- A northern Idaho couple who took in a homeless red tail boa could face criminal charges for selling the reptile on the Internet for $250.

Kootenai County Sheriff Department officials say they have filed a complaint charging the couple with grand theft because the snake still belonged in the custody of the department.

Now it's up to Kootenai County prosecutors to review the complaint and determine whether to formally file criminal charges.

Matt And Anna Harrington had been taking care of the 8-foot snake since it was found in Post Falls Sept 8.

But Capt. Don Mattos says no formal adoption process had taken place before the Harrington's put the snake up for sale.

Police identified the buyer as Chris Altringer, 23, of Spokane.

He has agreed to return the snake to police.