That well respected/known member of the reptile community got in a lot of trouble because he brought the animals into the US without and permits/documentation. That was the problem because, citing the passage you did (emphasis added by me)
If the animals are being bought/sold/traded within the boundaries of the country however, they are not subject to CITES regulations. There may be other laws that apply in that case but CITES is not applicable.
As an example; Nepenthes rajah is a CITES I listed plant. I can very easily purchase one of these plants from a grower in California and not run afoul of the law: Nepenthes Rajah for Sale | Pitcher Plant Online | Predatory Plants
But if I try to import one from a grower in Germany, then I will be subject to violation of CITES: https://www.wistuba.com/nepenthes/borneo/highland/nepenthes-rajah-tam-borneo.php