Capitol Heights resident suspected in theft of more than 60 reptiles

Police called the theft of more than 60 reptiles from pet stores in Maryland and Virginia a “cold-blooded crime” after arresting two people in connection with the case.

DeSean Bagley, 31, was arrested in his Capitol Heights residence on Aug. 6 for his alleged participation in the theft of more than 60 reptiles, Prince George’s County Police announced Wednesday.

Officers found six geckos, two bearded dragons, 11 ball pythons, two milk snakes and two firearms after they served a search warrant at his residence on the 400 block of Abel Avenue, authorities said.

Another suspect, Xavier Igo, 21, of Maryland, turned himself in on Aug. 8 and was charged with petit larceny, according to Fairfax County Police, who helped investigate the case. Igo was later released on bond. Bagley is being held in the Prince George’s County Central Detention Facility while he awaits transfer to Fairfax County.

Police allege the string of thefts began May 21 at a Petco in Groveton, where Bagley and Igo allegedly stole four pythons from a reptile habitat.

Two more reptile thefts took place on May 23 and May 25 at other Petco locations across the sprawling suburban county in northern Virginia, authorities said.

Police obtained warrants for a third suspect, who remains at large.

All the reptiles recovered from Bagley’s home were turned over to Prince George’s County Animal Control.

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