Two charged over exotic animal photoshoots in Baltimore mall garage

Authorities in Maryland have charged two men in connection with a photoshoot that allegedly involved exotic animals and an open flame in a garage below a shopping center. Vernon Crowfey III, 32, owner of Photogeniks, and Jayden Evans, 25, who runs Tarzan Exoticz, were taken into custody in Towson on July 16 after a sting operation.

According to court documents, Crowfey acted as photographer while Evans handled animals such as snakes, a lemur, and a spider monkey. The shoot involved three partially dressed models and a circle of fire on the garage floor beneath Towson Town Center. Videos and images circulating online show the concrete floor alight.

The investigation began when a detective checked with the US Department of Agriculture and learned the men lacked the required Class C exhibitor or dealer license under the Animal Welfare Act. An undercover officer then arranged a session with Evans involving the lemur and spider monkey. A search of Evans's home led to both arrests, and officers found snakes, lizards, rabbits, a tarantula, and other animals. Authorities said the lemur and monkey were kept in poor conditions, amounting to neglect.

Each man now faces 23 counts, including animal cruelty and arson-related offences over the garage fire. Crowfey told local media that mall security had given permission for the fiery backdrop, saying he explained the plan and was told to finish before the mall closed. He described the garage as an empty, concrete space, noting he had never seen a parking lot set on fire with lighter fluid.

The lemur and spider monkey were transferred to the Maryland Zoo. An exotic pet specialist quoted by the local outlet WBAL stressed that primates remain wild animals and can react unpredictably when they reach maturity.

The case coincides with the release of a new HBO documentary, Monsters of God, by Eric Goode, known for Tiger King. Goode argues that pop culture fuels demand for exotic and endangered species, pointing to past spikes in pet sales after films like Jurassic Park and Finding Nemo, as well as the trade of owls as 'Harry Potter birds'.