ORANGE COUNTY, FlORIDA: A Florida woman, Madison Stephan, is facing charges after a rather unusual incident involving the theft of an alligator for a birthday photoshoot.
The bizarre case came to the limelight after the Orange County Sheriff's Office alerted the presence of a young alligator, approximately two feet long, inside a hotel bathroom.
Where did the Florida woman, Madison Stephan keep the alligator?
According to FOX 35 Orlando's report on September 21, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to a request for assistance from the Orange County Sheriff's Office on September 4th at the Grove Resort and Water Park in Winter Garden, Florida.
The identity of the person who reported the presence of the alligator in the hotel room remains unknown.
The request concerned a juvenile alligator, approximately two feet in length.
Details from an incident report obtained by the outlet disclosed that the alligator had been confined in a hotel bathroom, with Madison Stephan identified as the individual responsible.
Where did Madison Stephan work previously?
Stephan allegedly confessed to authorities that she had "borrowed" the reptile without authorization from her former workplace, Croc Encounters in Tampa, with the intention of capturing birthday pictures with it.
Her entry into the facility occurred prior to its official opening, using keys that she still possessed.
Stephan subsequently transported the alligator to the hotel and placed it in the bathtub of her hotel room. The two locations were separated by a journey of about an hour and 20 minutes, as indicated by Google Maps.
Upon the arrival of FWC officers at the scene, the alligator was alive but exhibited signs of being cold to the touch, according to the incident report.
Furthermore, it was observed that the reptile lacked the means to exit the water.
What are the charges against Florida woman, Madison Stephan?
Despite the alleged actions of Stephan, the owner chose not to press charges for theft or trespassing, according to FOX 35's report.
But Madison Stephan was arrested and charged with the unlawful possession of an alligator, nevertheless.
Later the day of FWC officers’ arrival, the alligator was returned to Croc Encounters as of late night on September 21, and was reported to be in good health.
Upon being contacted by authorities, the owner of Croc Encounters confirmed that Madison Stephan was a former employee who did not possess any authorization to access the property or to remove the alligator.
