The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of Steven Calleja Jr., age 33 of 4071 Summerduck Rd in Fauquier County on two counts of Felony Larceny of an Animal. Calleja’s charges stem from the earlier reported theft of goats from Equestrian Drive and Green Acre Drive in Stafford County.

Stafford Detectives received a tip late Tuesday night that led to a search warrant being executed early Wednesday morning at Safa Halal Meat Market located at 213 Central Rd in the City of Fredericksburg. Detectives received a tip that Calleja had sold eight goats to the Safa Halal Meat Market. Stafford Detectives later learned that Calleja had attempted to sell eight goats but the Safa Halal Meat Market only purchased six of the goats. Stafford Detectives were able to recover all three goats that had been stolen from the Equestrian Drive address as well as three of the five goats that had been stolen from the Green Acre Drive address. The goats were unharmed and later returned to their owners. Stafford Detectives were assisted by Stafford Animal Control Officers as well as the Fredericksburg Police Department.

Yesterday evening Stafford Detectives, with the assistance of the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at Calleja’s address located at 4071 Summerduck Rd in Fauquier County. Detectives were unable to locate the other two goats. Calleja was arrested by Fauquier County Deputies near his home on the above mentioned charges. He was incarcerated at the Fauquier County Adult Detention Center under a $5000 secure bond. Calleja has since bonded out.

“Tonight two families have been reunited with their beloved pets” stated Sheriff David Decatur. “This case is a perfect example of the media, the public and the Sheriff’s Office working together to solve crime.” “We are hoping that someone out there knows the whereabouts of the other two goats so that they can also be reunited with their owners.”

Stafford Detectives are continuing their investigation into this matter. If anyone has any information about this crime they are asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 540-658-4400, call Crime Solvers at 540-659-2020 (caller may remain anonymous) or TEXT “Stafford” + your tip to 274637 (CRIMES).