Man Arrested for Keeping Alligator in Bathtub: Deputies

Sean Lewis was taken into custody after his mother called deputies to complain about the alligator.

A Deltona man keeping a baby alligator in his bathtub was arrested on charges of alligator poaching, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said.

Sean Lewis, 45, was taken into custody Monday after his mother called deputies to complain about the alligator, authorities said.

According to the arrest report, Lewis had received the alligator from a female friend who was supposed to come back for the animal.

But the friend never returned and Lewis decided to keep the alligator in his bathtub. His mother told him several times to get rid of the animal and Lewis said he would after a few days, the report said.

In the meantime, Lewis made a home for the alligator in his bathroom.

“The tub was partially filled with water and had a cinder block located in the middle to provide a piece of dry land,” the report said. “A light was purposely positioned above the alligator as to provide artificial sunlight.”

When he wouldn't remove the alligator, his mother called deputies to help her get rid of it, the report said.

Lewis remained in the Volusia County jail Tuesday. It wasn't immediately known if he had an attorney.

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