first let me say that i am not condoning this at all.
he's a kid. what he did was shady. lying and being proud of it are not good qualities in a person. but i look at it this way. i know im going to get ripped by some people but what ever.
he did what a lot of people here do. he "flipped" a reptile. he probably saved that lizards life. i doubt this obvious lack of good judgement is going to hurt anyone or lead this kid into a life of lies and crime. maybe this forum can help lead him from the "dark side".
bottom line is the lizard is most likely in a good home with someone who will love and care for him.