ROSEBURG, Ore. — A Roseburg man was taken into custody Wednesday night following the reported theft of seven exotic reptiles from a local business.
According to the Roseburg Police Department, officers responded to a report at approximately 11:30 p.m. on May 21 concerning the theft at Jungle Things Oregon, a specialty pet store. The business owner informed police that the theft occurred during a six-hour window when she was away from the premises.
Court documents reveal that the stolen reptiles were the owner’s personal pets and not part of the store’s retail inventory. Surveillance footage captured a suspect, later identified as 29-year-old Jesse Lee Proffitt of Roseburg, leaving the business carrying several reptiles including a Rhino iguana, an Australian Water Dragon, and an Albino bull snake.
Police later made contact with Proffitt at the business, where he admitted to stealing the reptiles. He reportedly confessed to releasing the Rhino iguana and a Monitor lizard. The total value of the stolen animals is estimated at $1,650. As of the latest reports, the reptiles have not been recovered.
Proffitt was arrested and booked into the Douglas County Jail on charges of first-degree theft. Jail records indicate he remained in custody as of May 23.
The investigation is ongoing.
