www.thoseanimalguys.com Warning!!!!

[dsirkle]

I am posting this to alert anyone that might have a pending deal with these guys. They are currently in custody for burglary,possesion of and selling stolen goods (animals). See Police blotter post.

 

[varnyard]

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071108/M
ETRO/711080365/1409/METRO

Livonia cops bust exotic animal ring
Two from Flint area held after police find 69 pets in 2 residences; some back with owners.
Christine Ferretti / The Detroit News
LIVONIA -- A self-proclaimed animal-loving duo boasting a traveling animal education show were arrested this week, accused of stealing nearly 70 animals and keeping them in their homes.

Exotic creatures ranging from wallabies to tarantulas, alligators and a hedge hog have been reunited with their owners after being recovered from the Flint area on Tuesday.

Livonia police got a tip last week from a local victim who led them to 69 exotic pets caged in a Mundy Township apartment, south of Flint and another residence in Flint Township.


Some of the exotics were returned to shops in Livonia, an animal sanctuary near Belleville and a zoo in Birch Run, Livonia Police Lt. Greg Winn said.

"The houses had been virtually turned into a small zoo. The cages were built into the rooms with fencing," Winn said.

Mark Rosenthal, who operates Animal Magic sanctuary in the Belleville area, stumbled upon and began tracking the pair last week when he noticed one of his animals pictured on their Web site, www.thoseanimalguys.com. He then notified police.

Rosenthal said several of his animals were taken earlier this year.

Rosenthal said his wife has located the owner of five rare toucans in Florida that were recovered from one of the homes. Each bird is worth $30,000 to $50,000 and will be returned today by airplane, he said.

"We're so glad we could help these people out and give them back their animals," he said.

Rosenthal's fennec fox, his beloved kinkajou "Wookie" and a couple of other priceless pets were returned by police.

Police said the alleged thieves, expected to be arraigned this afternoon, took the animals to exotic shows and schools for children's programs, while others were sold online.

Rosenthal said the two "jokers" converted an old ambulance into a traveling van for their shows, with blown-up photos on each side, including one shot of "Wookie."

Stinger Exotics on Plymouth Road in Livonia was reunited with some stolen reptiles. In July, thieves had taken about $50,000 worth of exotics from the shop.

Owner Hazel Kelley was ecstatic Tuesday when she got the call that some of her reptiles had been found, including Rupert, a savannah monitor lizard and the store mascot.

"He's a little beat up and lethargic and thin, but he's doing well," said Kelley, who moved her store to Livonia from Westland about a year ago.

Kelley said about $1,500 worth of the stolen reptiles have been recovered.

"They literally wiped out our entire store. We took a big hit, but thankfully we got these few back," she said, noting the return of a few frogs and tortoises.

Discount Pet & Supplies on Middle Belt said nearly 10 hand-raised birds were stolen from their shop in April. Only a couple of birds were returned.

"They weren't just our pets, they are our little family," said store manager Denise Billings. "It was gut-wrenching to us."

Dozens of cages and supplies also were taken from the store.

Police said they were apprehensive of going public with the burglaries sooner out of fear the animals would be killed.

If convicted, the suspects could face 10 years for each felony offense of breaking and entering a business. Additional charges for unrelated crimes including stolen property not related to animals are expected to come from Genesee County officials, Winn said.

You can reach Christine Ferretti at (734) 462-2289 or [email protected].

 

[GinoInDaBronx]

Those Photos

I am sure that I have seen that Burmese python photo before; perhaps on the ks Burm forums? I guess that if stealing animals gets them off, they will have no qualms about scooping photos, too.

GB

 

[GinoInDaBronx]

Burmese Photo

Just as a brief follow-up-the photo of the Burm is definitely stolen from the Burmese photo of KS.

GB

 

[Gary O]

I can not believe that these towo are low down dirty scum. Why you ask. They have been coming to the Taylor Michigan Reptile Show every month for the past I want to say 6 months.

They have bought animals off me. They seemed to be on the up and up. The next thing they wanted was a large Green Anaconda but I am not thrilled on selling Greens even though I have a few times.

I never even thought they were thieves. They seemed on the up and up. WOW just goes to show you never know.

Steeling and lieing is one thing I look down on.

I will be letting the Show runners know at Taylor tomorrow. Even though they are not free right now you never know..........

 

[Dennis Hultman]

Adam Lock
Those Animal Guys
2110 grand blanc rd
Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439
810-516-4276

[email protected]


_________________________________


Those Animal Guys
P.O. Box 320444
Flint, MI 48532

Phone: (810) 516 4276
[email protected]

Adam, Co–Founder of Those Animal Guys, has been an entertainer since the young age of 11, as a singer, actor, and finally, after a 2-year apprenticeship program, a magician. Working as a professional magician for several years, he has been seen performing for thousands of families everywhere from restaurants to local amusement parks, frequently using animals in his acts. Adam brings Those Animal Guys a passion for animal conservation along with years of entertainment experience.

Josh, Co-Founder of Those Animal Guys, has always enjoyed keeping animals, spending much of his childhood looking for more space in his house to put animal habitats. After high school, Josh earned an Associates Degree in Biology from Michigan State University and completed an internship at Shedd Aquarium. Josh uses his education to teach people of all ages the importance of conserving animal habitat.

How we got started.
Those Animal Guys is the dream of two ordinary guys who, despite their success in other areas of their lives, wanted something more. Founders, Josh and Adam, both life-long lovers of animals, met by chance while working at the same pet store during their high school years. After parting company to make their own way in the world, Josh and Adam found their success in very different ways. Adam had pursued the entertainment industry, working as a professional magician in various capacities around mid-Michigan. Josh had earned a degree in Biology from Michigan State University and was making a good living with a successful sales position. Both had everything they needed, but they wanted something more. Josh finally called Adam out of the blue, saying only that he had a “business proposition” for him. They met up and headed to a mutually favorite place—the Detroit Zoo. After taking a few minutes to catch up, both admitted that they felt they were missing something. Josh desperately wanted to work with animals again. Adam had incorporated a few animals into his shows before, but he knew that there was far more that could be done. What if they created a traveling educational show that combined Adam’s entertainment skills and Josh’s biology experience? Thus, Those Animal Guys was born, promising a new and exciting educational experience based on strong passion for animals and wildlife conservation.

 

[Dennis Hultman]

It seems some changes are being made to the website.

The gallery had pictures this morning and so did the available page. The pictures don't seem to be there anymore.

Also,I don't recall the pictures I posted in the above post being there this morning either.

 

[GinoInDaBronx]

Provider

Is there any chance that their provider will yank the site for criminal activity?

GB

 

[varnyard]

I wanted to copy this before it goes poof too.

Josh, Co-Founder of Those Animal Guys, has always enjoyed keeping animals, spending much of his childhood looking for more space in his house to put animal habitats. After high school, Josh earned an Associates Degree in Biology from Michigan State University and completed an internship at Shedd Aquarium. Josh uses his education to teach people of all ages the importance of conserving animal habitat.

Is that where he trys to teach them to steal the cages along with the animals?

Adam, Co–Founder of Those Animal Guys, has been an entertainer since the young age of 11, as a singer, actor, and finally, after a 2-year apprenticeship program, a magician. Working as a professional magician for several years, he has been seen performing for thousands of families everywhere from restaurants to local amusement parks, frequently using animals in his acts. Adam brings Those Animal Guys a passion for animal conservation along with years of entertainment experience.

I think it is going to take more than an act, and would also bet he wishes his magic would make all of this disappear.

 

[varnyard]

Is there any chance that their provider will yank the site for criminal activity?

GB

That might be the case, or they might be trying to get the evidence removed, it was probably proof of selling the stolen animals.

 

[sweetatatop12]

I knew Adam Lock and his wife Julie Hugunin in highschool. Just seems crazy that they would do something like this. Julie at least seemed smart

 

[Adam G]

Adam Lock is a sawed off loser who will make his new roomate Bubba very happy in prison. Maybe between cellmates he can raise birds like Robert Stroud (Birdman of Alcatraz). Julie was all geeked up on God. Maybe she will pray for divine intervention. These dirtbags are cowardly common thieves. They are getting noticed for stealing and killing animals, but they stole anyting that they could. They had no more respect for people and their property than they did for the animals they abused.

 

[Serafim]

Just pathetic. I hope they throw the book at these two losers..

 

[Dennis Hultman]

Man sentenced in theft of pet medications
by Paul Janczewski | The Flint Journal
Tuesday March 11, 2008, 4:44 PM

GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN -- A Mundy Township man who stole flea and tick medications from a Flint Township store, allegedly to give to exotic animals he and two co-defendants stole from the Detroit and Saginaw areas, was sentenced to 11 months jail and five years probation.

Joshua D. Roberts, 25, also must pay $7,500 restitution to the Petco store.

Genesee Circuit Judge Joseph J. Farah also placed Roberts on five years probation and ordered him to spend a year in jail for stealing golf clubs and other items April 21 from Seiferts Golf Plus in Mundy Township.

In that case, Farah ordered him to pay $31,800 in restitution, fines and costs.

Roberts earlier pleaded guilty to breaking and entering in both cases.

Roberts, who works for DL Roberts, his father's construction company, will be granted work release, but not until June 1, Farah said.

"He's got a long way to go on this restitution," Farah said.

Police and prosecutors said Roberts and Adam D. Lock, a co-defendant, broke into the Petco store on Oct. 12 and took thousands of dollars worth of flea and tick medicine.

Lock, 24, of Flint, has an April 7 pretrial scheduled before Farah in the break-ins.

No one from Seiferts or Petco were in court Tuesday for the sentencings.

But assistant Genesee County Prosecutor George DeMeo asked Farah to send him to jail "for the amount of havoc they caused."

Farah said the golf club thefts "ruined" the company's business for the summer, according to a report.

"This was a very calculated effort," Farah said of the thefts.

DeMeo said Roberts had been on probation for an earlier conviction.

Sterling Heights attorney Thomas J. Tomko, who represented Roberts, said his client has other cases pending involving the theft of exotic animals, but said he was not the leader.

Roberts apologized, saying he has made mistakes.

Tomko said Roberts is facing a March 17 sentencing in three Wayne County cases involving stolen animals.

Roberts and Julie Lock of Flint Township have agreed to plea deals in those cases.

Roberts, Lock and Lock's husband, Adam, still face extradition to Florida to face charges involving stolen toucans.

Roberts and Julie Lock also face charges in Saginaw County, but Tomko said he is in negotiations with prosecutors there to resolve the case.

Adam Lock's case in Wayne County is ongoing.

The trio were arrested in November after raids on their homes turned up about 70 stolen animals, including a kinkajou, a wallaby, a Brazilian parrot.

Julie Lock is being held without bond in the Wayne County Jail, while her husband is in the Saginaw County Jail.

Prior to their arrest last year, Roberts and Adam Lock had been partners for an animal exhibition group called "Those Animal Guys."

 

[Dennis Hultman]

More information was posted in this thread.

http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104546

 

[Dennis Hultman]

Woman sentenced in exotic animal thefts

By Austen Smith, Editor

PUBLISHED: March 20, 2008

One of three individuals arrested in last year's theft of exotic animals from a Sumpter Township sanctuary received three months jail time, two years probation and was ordered to pay $35,000 in restitution during a sentencing held Monday in Detroit.


Julie Marie Lock, of Flint Township, was the first of the trio to be sentenced for the theft of more than 70 exotic animals in an operation that extended from Michigan to Florida. Lock, 22, along with her husband Adam Lock, 23, and accomplice Joshua Roberts, 24, were arrested after a raid of their Mundy Township home where investigators found most of the stolen animals. They also had an apartment in Flint where a number of stolen reptiles were being held.

Lock pleaded down to one felony count after originally being charged with six. Lock has been in jail since Genesee County since the time of her arrest and those days will count toward her jail time.

Several of the stolen animals came from Mark Rosenthal's Animal Magic Sanctuary including a rare seven-toed sloth, a fennec fox, an exotic toad and a kinkajou (a fox-like mammal from the raccoon family). Rosenthal, who attended Monday's sentencing, said his sloth, named "Seven," is now recovering after he was returned several months after the theft, but his stolen wallaby died as a result of mistreatment and the kinkajou fox had to have its tail amputated because of a broken bone. Rosenthal, a long-time exotic animal handler licensed in the state of Michigan, does shows for schools, festivals and events.

"What they did has affected my family, my business. We lost shows because of them. Some people would request to have Seven, so we couldn't do the show," Rosenthal said. "I'm just glad it's done now and that she is serving jail time."

Rosenthal said during the sentencing, Lock apologized for the damage that she had caused and that a number of family members were present for her support. Despite the apology, Rosenthal asked that Lock not be allowed to have any contact with animals during her probation period, which the judge granted.

After a long investigation by Sumpter Township police, Rosenthal said that he stumbled on a Web page titled "ThoseAnimalGuys.com," and saw photos of his stolen animals. Soon after, the Locks' home was raided by Mundy Township law enforcement in coordination with Sumpter and Livonia police.

Adam Lock is currently awaiting sentencing, and Roberts is locked up in a Genesee County jail on unrelated charges.

 

[cyberfrog]

It's still not enough and she only received punishment for the theft, not for the animal cruelty. IMO cruelty to animals should be a top level felony across the nation.

 

[Dennis Hultman]

It's still not enough and she only received punishment for the theft, not for the animal cruelty. IMO cruelty to animals should be a top level felony across the nation.

I don't believe they are finished with her. The above sentence I believe was for three Wayne County cases. I believe she might have some other cases in another county. Also, she still faces extradition to Florida.
I understand what your stating but I believe the bulk of the charges will fall on the two males. I don't know if any of the plea deals they worked out so far include any cruelty charges.

 

[cyberfrog]

I certainly hope so. 3 months -time served is just silly.

 

[Zeus9699]

Stolen Animals

Hi all. My name is Mark Rosenthal and I'm the one who caught these losers after they stole from our sanctucary twice. I accompanied the police with the search warrents and the conditions in their house and apartment were deplorable. The mammals all had fleas, a coatimundi had to have her tail amputated due to broken bones, my Bennett's wallaby (who I bottle fed and was a part of our family) ended up dying, etc. I testified at Julie's sentencing and, from what I understand, Adam and Josh will both receive the same sentences. It's pretty sad that they are all pretty much just getting slaps on the wrists. My family will never be the same due to these creeps. We operate a non-profit exotic animal rescue/educational facility and we were almost put out of business because of these four (Josh's girlfriend was a part of this also, but she got a good lawyer and nothing has happened to her yet). Feel free to check out our web site at www.iwantanimalmagic.com to see what we do. Also, feel free to contact me with any questions at [email protected]