Police arrested two people and are searching for a third after more than 60 reptiles were stolen from pet stores in Maryland and Virginia between March and May. Surveillance footage showed suspects disabling cage locks, placing animals into bags, and leaving the stores. Officers recovered dozens of reptiles and weapons at one suspect's home, and Prince George's County Animal Control has taken custody of the recovered animals. Investigators say some reptiles remain missing and urged anyone with information to contact police.
More Than 60 Reptiles Stolen From Pet Stores in MD and VA; Two Arrested, One Wanted
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Police in Prince George's County have arrested two people and are still seeking a third after investigators say more than 60 reptiles were stolen from pet stores across Maryland and Virginia and later offered for sale on social media.
What Happened
Authorities told WJLA that the burglaries occurred between March and May at pet stores in Fairfax, Prince George's, Charles and Baltimore counties. Fairfax County detectives reviewed surveillance footage from three Petco locations and observed suspects disabling cage locks, placing animals into bags they brought with them, and exiting the stores.
Suspects and Arrests
Two suspects have been publicly identified: DeSean Bagley, 31, and Xavier Igo, 21. A third suspect, an unnamed woman, remains wanted by police. Igo turned himself in on Aug. 8. Officers arrested Bagley on Aug. 6 at his Capitol Heights home; police say he was armed when officers arrived to serve a warrant.
What Authorities Recovered
During a search of Bagley's residence, officers recovered multiple reptiles and two handguns. The inventory reportedly included:
- 6 geckos
- 2 bearded dragons
- 11 ball pythons
- 2 milk snakes
Prince George's County Animal Control took custody of the recovered animals. Investigators say some reptiles are still missing and that the suspects have not cooperated; anyone with information is asked to contact local police or Crime Solvers.
Charges
Court filings list several charges: Bagley faces two counts of petit larceny, felony larceny with intent to sell, and a felony charge for wearing a mask in public. Igo was charged with petit larceny. The unidentified woman is wanted on two counts of petit larceny, two misdemeanor concealment-of-goods charges and felony larceny with intent to sell.
Community Concerns and Broader Context
Shoppers and store staff expressed concern about animal welfare and how easily the thefts were carried out. "I think it's crazy," one shopper said. Officials warned that reptiles require specialized care and that removing them from proper environments can be harmful or fatal.
Police also described the case as part of a broader illegal trade in exotic animals. Recent, unrelated incidents cited by authorities include protected turtle smuggling along the Vermont–Quebec border; an alleged Florida scheme that shipped nearly 2,000 turtles overseas in a case worth about $550,000; and Israeli police recovering stolen birds after a heist involving endangered species.
Tip: If you have information about these thefts or the whereabouts of the missing animals, contact Prince George's County police or Crime Solvers.
Help us improve.
