I think people are jumping the gun on the fact that one member seems to think it's fine to make out with a "sweet deal" at someone else's loss.
People who steal a snake are looking to make a quick buck, animal shelters aren't that option. Petco isn't that option either really as they don't even pay a small portion of the animal's worth. (and some pet places like to keep records of where they got the snakes, a thief wouldn't want those records)
Now, you may be right on the story itself, being they truly did have to dump them quick for non-illegal reasons. But I don't think that is really being discussed at this point. More to the tune of if that was the case, would you report it or just consider yourself lucky to get a sweet deal.
Honestly it could be any of the above possibilities. I would keep an eye out on CL and local shops for a lost / stolen ad, and keep my ears open just in case though.