January 7, 1993 — Valuable reptiles stolen last month from the Luray Reptile Center on U.S. 211 West are still missing and investigators are chasing leads in what may be part of a larger crime.
According to Page County Sheriff ’s Office investigator Jerry Baker, some 25 snakes and two iguanas worth between $2,500 and $3,000 were taken, along with nearly $1,200 in cash and change and a pocketbook belonging to the owners, James Martin and his wife.
The thefts occurred sometime between the late night hours of Dec. 12 and early morning Dec. 13. However, information on the crime was not released until this week.
It is believed by the Sheriff ’s Office that at least three perpetrators entered through the side of the building after removing a glass window.
Until Friday, Dec. 18, local authorities believed that this crime was limited to the immediate area, but when authorities in Washington, D.C. informed the Page County Sheriff’s Department that they had found the pocketbook that had been stolen from the reptile center, opinions changed.
Evidence collected in this case is still being analyzed at the lab.
~ From the public archives of the Page News and Courier
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