We got'em! All but two animals were recovered, although not without issues. Being I haven't seen a mite in my collection since bringing them home from Orlando in 1999, I was sad to see several on the snakes and the Carpet already showing a bit of distress from being kept in very cold conditions. With that said, the only animals still missing are the Savannah Pewter and the Vanishing Sterling.
First let me thank you all for the encouragement and support. It has been a very traumatic situation from the moment we noticed the break-in. The friends in the reptile community involved in helping, I can not begin to express my gratitude. I am proud to be part of such a tight-knit group of local breeders and enthusiasts.
Joe Yuris! If you don't know Joe, you need to. Joe is a coordinator of the Wabash Valley Reptile Expo and is building a great show in the Wabash Valley. With his help, we set up a sting within hours of the theft. Joe's savvy acting led these scumbags to believe he was new to snakes but had a very large sum of money to spend on these rare animals. He played dumb so well these guys actually thought he would hand over $35K in cash at a food stand in the ghetto. Joe, I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH!!!!
Now comes the waiting game. Since the two that broke in and took the animals are minors, there is a chance they will both be let off with a slap on the wrist.
The conspirator, Kenneith "Deuce" Willett, or Douche as myself and the detectives call him, is being charged with residential burglary, destruction of property, and distribution of stolen property.
He has a lengthy arrest record but has the attitude of "I'm 17 and they can't do anything to me." Since he will be 18 in 6 weeks we are going to press the prosecutor to process him as an adult. The great thing is, I have friends working in the police dept. and they have friends that are prosecutors. He may finally go away for a while if we get lucky.
The other, "the girlfriend", may not be so lucky. Kelsey Phillips
Sadly, not so much for her but for her unborn baby, she does not look as healthy as in this picture. She is a few months pregnant and looks very strung out on drugs. She is being held on charges of possession of stolen property. She admitted not knowing they were going to steal the animals but knew about it after the fact.....and was present for "the deal". We are pressing charges to the fullest and will be working to make sure her case is not thrown out. Since members of my family have known his dad and step mother for nearly 20 years, they asked me to make him pay to the fullest.
The last is a kid named Chase. I do not have a last name or picture but he is the one that spilled the beans. Apparently, Douche told the cops I didn't take care of my animals and they would be better taken care of in his possession. Chase actually told the truth from what I was understand. He admitted to breaking in, taking animals, leaving on foot, and Douche actually going back to take more. Douche asked him if he wanted to make some quick easy cash.....ummm, yeah.
I am still dumbfounded at just how stupid these people are. All three of them said "I didn't have anything to do with this" when I stepped out of the car as they were on the ground handcuffed. It was as epic as epic gets. We are going to press for restitution for both missing animals as well as damages to the building.
Again, I thank you all for your concern and support. I am honored to be a part of such a great community and would offer the same support and help to any of you. I hope no one ever goes through this experience. I will keep you all posted on any updates.
Sincerely,
Brandon Osborne
Osborne Reptiles
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Brandon Osborne Reptiles
