Peabody Thief Dubbed 'Brazen Botanist' Gets Year In Jail

SALEM, MA -- A man who was captured on video stealing plants from a Salem home will spend a year in jail after reaching a plea agreement. Joseph Gardner, 43, of Peabody, was nicknamed "the brazen botanist" by Salem Police when they released the video in hopes of identifying him after the May 16 thefts.

Acting on a tip submitted after the videos were released, Gardner was arrested on a warrant in August. Gardner has a lengthy criminal record, according to court documents.

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Photo by Salem Police.