There are some wacky ways to fund and support your favorite activity, but this one really takes the cake.  Elbert Starks, 30, of Pearsall Avenue in Freeport, New York was recently charged with stealing a shark for display in his private aquarium.  On December 12, 2008, Starks is alleged to have reached into a display tank located in the Total Aquarium store in Lynbrook, New York, snatching the shark and placing it under his jacket as he exited the store.  On January 2, 2009, while visiting another pet store, he stole a wallet accidentally left in the open by a store clerk.  Three hours later, he used a credit card from the stolen wallet to purchase a green moray eel from Parrots of the World pet center in Rockville Center.  Police used descriptions and information, obtained during these two investigations,  to tighten the net around Mr. Starks.  After obtaining a warrant to search his residence, they found the nurse shark and moray eel in his private display aquariums.  Several other exotic specimens were also found there, but Starks was able to provide purchase receipts for them.  After confiscating the two stolen animals, they were taken to Parrots of the World, where the evidence is being stored.  Mr. Starks was arrested.

How crazy is this?  Putting a shark under your coat?  We will report here if any additional information is published about this pet store thief.

Read Source Story by Zachary Dowdy at Newsday.com

Phil Ellis

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