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Three Charged in Organized Reptile Thefts in Virginia and Maryland

Authorities say the animals were taken to be sold on social media, and the recovered reptiles are now in county animal control custody.

Two men face charges and a woman is wanted after more than 60 snakes and reptiles were stolen from pet stores in Virginia and Maryland to be sold on social media. (PGPD)
Two men face charges and a woman is wanted after more than 60 snakes and reptiles were stolen from pet stores in Virginia and Maryland to be sold on social media. (FCPD)
Two men face charges and a woman is wanted after more than 60 snakes and reptiles were stolen from pet stores in Virginia and Maryland to be sold on social media. (FCPD)
Two men face charges and a woman is wanted after more than 60 snakes and reptiles were stolen from pet stores in Virginia and Maryland to be sold on social media. (PGPD)

Overview

  • Police linked a string of pet-store thefts reported between March and May and say the pattern began with a May 21 incident at a Petco on Richmond Highway in Groveton.
  • Officers served a warrant at DeSean Bagley’s Capitol Heights home on Aug. 6 and found more than 20 reptiles plus a handgun, and Bagley was arrested and held pending extradition to Fairfax County.
  • Investigators say Xavier Igo surrendered on Aug. 8 and was charged with petit larceny before being released on an unsecured $1,000 bond.
  • A third suspect, an unidentified woman, is wanted on multiple theft-related charges and detectives say they do not believe there are any other participants in the scheme.
  • Police handed the recovered geckos, bearded dragons, ball pythons and milk snakes to Prince George’s County Animal Control and urged the public to provide tips to aid ongoing prosecution.