Man sentenced for reptile theft

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man who admitted stealing a reptile from a Priest River pet store appears to have escaped a custodial jail term.

Kurtis William Barker-Hayden pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft and was sentenced on Dec. 12 in Bonner County Magistrate Court. Judge Tera Harden imposed a 60-day term with 40 days suspended and the prospect of 20 days to serve if he runs afoul of the terms of his 18-month term of probation, court records indicate.

The operators of 4 Paws Pet Supply used social media to track down suspects in the Aug. 22 theft of a bearded dragon from the store, according to a probable cause affidavit. One of the suspects posted a photo of her “new pet” to social media. Sheriff’s officials confronted the young woman, who accused Barker-Hayden of committing the actual theft.

Barker-Hayden surrendered the lizard when he was confronted, records show. He allegedly told a deputy that he did not intend on taking the reptile when he entered the store and said it was an impulsive act he committed once inside.

Native to Australia, bearded dragons will darken the underside of their throat if stress or confronted by a rival. They are regarded as good pets because of their hardiness and relatively easy care in comparison to other reptiles. Bearded dragons can sell for up to $200, according to online sellers.

Barker-Hayden, 19, is on probation for a misdemeanor theft that he admitted committing in January, Idaho iCourt records indicate.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.