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Exotic Animals in Baltimore Photoshoots Lead to Arrests
21 Jul
Summary
- Two men arrested for illegal exotic animal photoshoots in Baltimore.
- Malnourished spider monkey and lemur found in poor living conditions.
- Private primate ownership is illegal in Maryland due to safety risks.
In Baltimore County, Jayden Evans and Vernon Crowley III are facing charges related to illegal exotic animal photoshoots. The investigation began after Evans posted social media content featuring animals like a lemur and a baby spider monkey. Crowley, who owns a photography company, allegedly photographed women posing with these animals and snakes in a "ring of fire" within the Towson Town Center parking lot.
Charging documents indicate Evans and Crowley obtained the lemur and spider monkey from North Carolina, having received them from an unidentified source in Florida. An undercover officer paid a $500 deposit for a photoshoot in Double Rock Park. During a search warrant execution at Evans' apartment, police discovered various animals, including snakes, lizards, rabbits, and two malnourished spider monkeys and lemurs.
Maryland law strictly prohibits the private ownership of primates due to significant public safety risks. These animals can transmit serious infections through bites and scratches, and can contract human illnesses. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources highlights the potential for injury and specialized care requirements, making private ownership inadvisable.
