Gwinnett County man arrested for possessing exotic animals

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The Georgia Department of Natural Resources arrested a man on Sunday for possession of marijuana and for having exotic wildlife in his Gwinnett County home.

“I’m shocked,” said Lisa Oden, who lives across the street from Jesus Cruz-Concepcion.

According to a warrant, there was a Gaboon viper, two cobras, an alligator, a squirrel and a raccoon in Cruz-Concepcion’s home. %

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He is also accused of having 52 grams of marijuana, which is a felony.

“Cobras and crocodiles? No that’s not our typical run-of-the-mill strays we find around here,” Oden said. “Sorry, it’s just so crazy.”

Neighbors said Cruz-Concepcion rented a downstairs room from the home’s owner.

No one came to the door when Channel 2’s Dave Huddleston knocked on the door.

Cruz-Concepcion had his initial court appearance Monday. His bond was set at $22,000 for drugs and wildlife possession.

He said in court that he plans to hire his own attorney to defend him against the charges.

Oden said she wonders why he was keeping exotic animals.

“As long as they’re kept contained, I’m not terribly concerned,” she said. “If they get out and run free, that changes the ball game.”

Cox Media Group