A Maryland man has been charged in connection with the theft of more than 60 reptiles from pet stores across Maryland and Virginia, according to the Prince George’s County Police Department.
Police identified the suspect as 31-year-old DeSean Bagley of Capitol Heights. The investigation was conducted by the department’s Organized Retail Theft Task Force in coordination with the Fairfax County Police Department.
According to police, the thefts occurred between March and May, with Bagley allegedly stealing reptiles from multiple pet stores and later selling them through social media.
On Aug. 6, Prince George’s County Police and Fairfax County Police executed a search warrant at Bagley’s home in the 400 block of Abel Avenue. Police said Bagley was armed with a handgun when members of the department’s Emergency Services Team entered the apartment. He ultimately complied with officers’ commands and was taken into custody without incident.
During a search of the apartment, investigators recovered six geckos, two bearded dragons, 11 ball pythons and two milk snakes. Two handguns were also recovered.
All of the recovered reptiles were turned over to Prince George’s County Animal Control.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the investigation.
