Two men from Baltimore, Maryland, are facing multiple charges for allegedly using exotic animals in photoshoots that reportedly featured three semi-clothed models and a ring of fire in a parking garage.
Photographer Vernon Crowfey III, 32, owner of Photogeniks, and Jayden Evans, 25, owner of Tarzan Exoticz, were arrested in Towson, Maryland, on 16 July. The arrests followed a sting operation where an undercover officer arranged a photoshoot involving a lemur and a spider monkey.
Charging documents state that Crowfey and Evans allegedly obtained the animals from North Carolina without a permit. Police also found snakes, lizards, rabbits, and a tarantula at Evans's home during a search warrant execution.
Both men are each facing 23 misdemeanor and felony charges, including animal cruelty and arson-related offenses, for allegedly setting fire to the mall parking garage. Crowfey reportedly told CBS News Baltimore that he had permission from mall security to use the parking garage for the photoshoot.
The lemur and spider monkey have since been transported to the Maryland Zoo. Charging documents indicate that neither animal was in proper living conditions, leading to their neglect.