Two Baltimore County men have been arrested on charges of animal cruelty and other offenses related to the use of exotic animals in unauthorized photo shoots. Jayden Evans, 25, and Vernon Crowfey III, 32, were taken into custody on July 16 after an undercover operation led to their involvement being uncovered.
Evans was operating a business called Tarzann Exoticz, which provided reptiles for events and utilized them as props for photography. Crowfey served as the photographer and videographer for the company, known as Photogeniks. Their activities came under scrutiny following a photo shoot at the Towson Town Center parking garage that involved setting parts of the area on fire, resulting in approximately $1,500 in damages.
According to court documents, a mall security officer reported the unauthorized shoot to the police, prompting an investigation. Surveillance footage and social media evidence confirmed the duo's participation. It was revealed that the two men had acquired a lemur and a spider monkey from North Carolina under false pretenses, claiming the animals would be used for educational purposes.
In a twist, an undercover detective contacted Evans via Instagram to arrange a photo shoot featuring the lemur and spider monkey. Despite acknowledging the illegality of possessing these animals in Baltimore, Evans agreed to conduct the shoot for $500. The detective paid a deposit and a meeting was set for July 16 at Double Rock Park in Parkville.
When Evans emerged from his Middle River apartment with the animals, he was apprehended by police. A search of his property, conducted in collaboration with the Animal Service and a nonhuman primate specialist from the USDA, revealed a variety of other animals, including reptiles and mammals, many of which were found in poor health conditions.
Authorities noted that the lemur was malnourished, while the spider monkey exhibited developmental delays. Evans reportedly failed to provide routine veterinary care for the animals, instead feeding them inappropriate diets.
Both men are facing serious charges, including animal cruelty, malicious burning, and destruction of property. Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier emphasized the community's commitment to preventing animal cruelty. The animals involved in the case are currently under the care of the Maryland Zoo.
Evans is being held without bond, while Crowfey has posted a $5,000 unsecured bond. Neither man has legal representation listed in court records. The most severe charge they face carries a potential five-year prison sentence.
Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).
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