The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Florida woman was arrested after allegedly stealing a $2,400 exotic bird from a pet store.
According to reports, on the morning of September 7, a woman wearing dark sunglasses visited Everything Birds in Oldsmar. An event was being held at the store that day, and as the workers were setting up, one of them spotted the woman standing near an enclosure housing a baby Black Headed Caique. She greeted the potential shopper and went back to work.
Moments later, the employee returned to the area where she spoke to the woman, and when she looked for the bird it was nowhere to be found. The authorities were immediately notified, and deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office went to the store, located in the Oldsmar Flea Market, to investigate.
When they spoke to the staff, the deputies were told that the rare bird was very young and still being bottle-fed. The workers expressed concern that it would become ill if not given the special care it needs. Footage from the surveillance cameras in the store was reviewed, and the woman in the dark glasses was seen near the bird. It appeared as if she took the bird and put it in her purse before leaving the store.
After the footage was shown on the news, detectives received anonymous tips about the woman’s identity, and they went to the suspect’s residence in Largo. They reported that she was cooperative about giving the bird back, and she was taken into custody and booked into the Pinellas County Jail. She is facing preliminary charges of one count of felony grand theft, and she was released after posting a $6,000 bond.
It was reported that the bird was not harmed during the incident, and the store said it was in good health.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a theft offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.