Pennsylvania: Poacher shot and killed beautiful elk and left its body to rot

PENNSYLVANIA -- Wildlife Conservation Officer Dan Murray of Centre County received a tip from a member of the public on November 30 regarding a dead bull elk on State Game Lands 100 in Burnside Township, Centre County.

Officer Murray and WCO Mark Gritzer necropsied the elk and determined the cause of death was a gunshot wound.

They believe the elk was shot outside of the elk season in the first few days of the rifle deer season.

Any information regarding this case should be reported to the North Central Region Office at 570-398-4744. You can also report online or through the Operation Game Thief hotline.

(Fox43 - December 8, 2017)

Texas: Family seeks justice after their 5-year-old daughter's beloved miniature pony named Chicken Nugget found shot to death

TEXAS -- Five-year-old Rylee Brett loved Chicken Nugget, her 25-inch-tall dwarf pony. When she was little, she would ride him around like a rodeo horse. When she got too big, he would sit down with the family and watch TV, reported KPRC.

Then, on the morning of Nov. 8, the family went outside to check on him in a fenced-in pen and found him shot to death at close range, reported the Houston Chronicle.

Kylee Brett, Rylee’s mother, posted the news to Facebook in an emotional message.

“RIP Chicken Nugget. You now have your wings and are flying high,” she wrote. “My heart is absolutely shattered as I try to find the words. The way you were taken from us was an act of a coward. Our smiles will never be quite as big as we drive through the pasture to watch you play.”

She added that “whoever stepped foot on our property and point blank shot him in the face will pay.”

The Bretts called the police and game warden to their ranch home in Hull, Texas. On Facebook, Brett wrote she had no idea who could have done the killing, but had some ideas for how it could have happened.

“There is no mistaking that they did it out of hatred,” she told WVTM.

“One theory of ours is a poacher did this to him that was spotlighting...the problem is, you don't mistake him as a deer within such a short distance while being with 4 other horses,” she wrote. 

Spotlighting is a controversial hunting technique where hunters use bright lights to detect the reflection in an animal’s eyes at night and stun them, reported Lubbock Online.

Rylee’s mother wrote on Facebook that her daughter was “confused, sad, happy (when we talk about our sweet memories), mad, and devastated,” but that she had been encouraged by an overwhelming show of support from people across the country. “She still isn't understanding. Everyone's sweet messages and comments are truly making her see there is still so much good in the world!,” her mother wrote on Facebook.

The case truly has brought out prayers and well-wishes from people across the country. Brett’s original post has been shared more than 3,000 times, and in the comments, several people posted photos of their own ponies and horses and offered to send them to Rylee.

The family is still seeking answers in the case, and Rylee’s mother wrote on Facebook that police and the game warden told her they felt confident that Chicken Nugget’s shooting could be solved.

“Our hearts are broken,” she told KPRC. “Very broken, and we’ll always miss him, we’ll always have that piece of our heart that’s broken. But good memories always help the heart heal a little faster.”

*  *  *  *  *  *

Kylee Allen Brett added 5 new photos.
November 8 at 2:05pm ·
RIP Chicken Nugget. You now have your wings and are flying high. You will never be forgotten. You will forever be missed. My heart is absolutely shattered as I try to find the words. The way you were taken from us was an act of a coward. Our family will always be one member short now and coffee in the mornings just won't be the same. Our smiles will never be quite as big as we drive through the pasture to watch you play. The creek feeders will have more feed and the calves will be lonely. Your horse friends no longer have a pit boss to guide them to their stalls. My daughters no longer have their best friend. I no longer have you to talk to.

Please help me find the words to explain to Rylee. Please help me cope to the fact Steelie won't ever get to have the memories we have. Please god help me understand. Why him? Please please please tell me why? Please pray for our family right now. Please fill me with the wonderful memories you have with Chicken Nugget, as I know so many people loved him. I know my granddaddy is feeding him cubes and apples right now. They are both loving it! I'm sure my Papa will enjoy his new fishing partner. Lord knows Chicken loved to pester you and knock the fishing pole out of your hands. I need so many prayers right now. Please pray.

******On another note******** whoever stepped foot on our property and point blank shot him in the face will pay. We have the police and the game warden here and I will personally be waiting to meet you. There is a special place in hell for you and I'm not scared to give you a first class ticket you pos!

Kylee Allen Brett
November 9 at 7:50am ·
UPDATE ON CHICKEN NUGGET:
We have never been so overwhelmed with love and support from family, friends, and strangers. Rylee woke up this morning and ran straight outside to see if Chicken Nugget had come back home. We had to explain that Jesus needed him way more then us and he was staying with him. Rylee said, " why can't he just come back alive, doesn't he miss me momma?" It shattered my heart all over again. I would just like to personally thank everyone for the phone calls, text, and fb messages. Also, I would like to thank Channel 2 News for contacting me and airing our story to get justice. I am trying to respond to everyone as quick a possible. We still haven't heard anything back from the police or game warden.

We have no FACTS at this point, so it's just a waiting game. I personally was told they recovered the bullet, but was just informed there was an exit wound... so no bullet (they like to keep the gory details from me, and I prefer it that way). We have no idea who could have been on our property to commit this awful act. We do however have some theories of what could have possibly happened. None of them justify the fact a trespasser coming on to OUR land and murdering OUR beloved Chicken Nugget in a fenced off horse trap with 4 other horses. One theory of ours is a poacher did this to him that was spotlighting.... the problem is, you don't mistake him as a deer within such a short distance while being with 4 other horses!!!!!

I've gone from crying to mad to absolute basket case all within 24 hrs. Rylee is confused, sad, happy (when we talk about our sweet memories), mad, and devastated. She has been through more then most 5 year olds ever have. Please continue to pray for our family and especially Rylee Klare.

 

Vanessa Child shared Kylee Allen Brett's photo.
November 9 at 10:04pm ·
If this picture doesn't speak volumes
I don't know what will.
I honestly hope the person who intentionally killed this little girls miniature horse see's this because they are lower than scum.
I pray this low life pos is found and pays for taking chicken nugget away from the Brett family especially Rylee
Kylee Allen Brett you all have been heavy on my mind
I hope you guys get justice for him.
anyone in and around the hull texas area in Liberty county
keep your eyes and ears open.

Kylee Allen Brett
November 10 at 12:32pm ·
UPDATE 11/10/17: the sheriffs department just left the ranch. They truly were concerned about our issue and made me feel a little better after talking with them. They feel very confident in solving the death of Chicken Nugget.

Thank you Channel 2 News for pushing the story to get Justice. Thank you Fox 26 for airing the story and helping spread the word! Thank you Houston chronicle for sharing our story as well. Thank you to my Family and friends, words cannot come to my mind at the moment to express my love and thankfulness. Y'all really have got us through this. Thank you to the complete strangers that I now consider friends, that have reached out and blessed us with so many prayers and well wishes.

I am doing my very best to respond to all messages. I apologize if I haven't wrote you back yet, as you can see our family has been overwhelmed with so much love and support. Again, thank you all for everything! I will continue to update you on the situation as much as possible. Please continue to pray as we get justice for our sweet Chicken Nugget.
-Kylee Brett

Kylee Allen Brett posted on Facebook November 11, 2017 ·
PLEASE SHARE!
UPDATE ON CHICKEN NUGGET 11/11/17: no new news on the investigation, but some absolutely WONDERFUL news from supporters... Rylee was gifted Chicken Nuggets sister, from what was an absolute stranger to forever family friend now.

We were so reluctant to add another pony to our family at this time. So many people have asked me, "why wouldn't you just get her another pony and she can heal faster". I can quickly say Chicken Nugget WAS NOT A PONY. He was our child, Rylees brother, and a huge part of our family. He was the only ears that would listen to my Father in laws rambling and still continue to come back everyday to hear more. The cows breakfast/lunch/dinner partner. The horses pit boss. The one to put the biggest smile on your face in any kind of situation.

He was really so much more then just a pony. Since we were offered Chicken Nuggets sister, Rylee made the choice that she wanted her. I know so many kind and generous people have offered their own family pony, or to buy Rylee a pony, or donate money to get Rylee a new pony.

We are so grateful for the offers and know people truly care and love us. We do not want to profit off of any of this and hope people understand, we are not denying your help or trying to be disrespectful in declining your offer. The very sweet and generous gentleman that gifted Rylee with Chicken Nuggets sister set up a go fund me for the hauling and vet cost to get her to Rylee.

Any money that is made over the amount it cost to haul is being donated to SpiritHorse Liberty in Rylee and Chicken Nuggets name. This is a absolutely wonderful organization that has always has every bit of my respect and holds a special place in my heart. If you would like to contribute this is a legit go fund me page and i have shared it in my page for you to see.

We have been asked so many times now if JUSTICE FOR CHICKEN NUGGET shirts are being made. This really was no idea of mine, but brought up after a little joke was made... we are finding anything we can to smile right now. I guess people really want to get these made. I am going to talk to a family friend that makes shirts. How do y'all feel about the shirts if all proceeds also go to Spirit Horse in Liberty? I would love y'alls opinions and feedback on this.
Last but not least: I have had every emotion in the book. After the sheriffs department left yesterday they really made me feel more comfortable in finding the shooter. My feelings in this as of right now are:

You killed our beloved Chicken Nugget on OUR LAND!!!! So many people have asked us if it could possibly be a hunting accident. Well, when you trespassed and came on private property you can no longer call it an accident in my book. You invaded our horses home, our home, and my other family members home. There are many theories on how far the bullet traveled to reach Chicken Nugget. We have been told several things. Some say very close range some say 50/60 yards. Either way the distance of the bullet doesn't matter to me. The shooter disrespected my family and took a huge part of everyone's lives. Whoever did this shot right next to a place of residence and could obviously tell there was a home, barn, and pipe fence... it was not a wooded area. After they saw what they did they ran like the COWARD they are. This is my view on it and I want this person to pay!!!

Please continue to pray! If you know anything please contact the sheriffs department and help find justice for Chicken Nugget!

Help ship Rylee Brett new horse
Created November 10, 2017
Jeff Lisowski
  Animals
  BELEN, NM
$1,610 of $1,200 goal
Raised by 25 people in 1 day
Rylee Brett(age 5) lost her best friend to someone shooting him on the family's ranch in Texas. I have agreed to give Rylee a new miniature horse in order to give this poor child a new best friend.
We are looking for donations to help cover the cost of shipping and vet work needed to accomplish this.
Any amount you can help with would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

(The Sacramento Bee - Nov 10, 2017)

Florida: Police searching for the person who shot and killed family's pony

FLORIDA -- Mandi N Justin Harris added 4 new photos to Facebook November 11, 2017 ·

***Caution****
The below images are graphic.

I am offering a $1,000 reward for anyone with information that leads to the arrest of the person who committed this sick senseless crime of killing an innocent animal!

Last night someone shot my horse with a high powered rifle from my grandma's pasture in Jacksonville, Fl (oceanway area).

The Jacksonville Sheriff's office crime scene unit conducted a full investigation and believe the rifle was fired from the direction of either oceanway village or The Gillespie Gardens area between the hours of 10:00pm Friday night to 5:00am Saturday morning.

I will stop shy of nothing to find and prosecute this person to the full extent of the law. If you or anyone you know have information please come forward. Please share this post and help me find the person who did this.

If you have any information please contact the Jacksonville Sheriffs office and refer to case #769654 or feel free to pm me on Facebook.

*** Also the reason he is wearing a halter and lead line is because this was a birthday gift from my mom that I never had a chance to put on him so I put it on him before this picture was taken to bury him in***

Note: He added that last part because people began questioning, in their posts, why the halter and lead was on the pony... because of their confusion, they began questioning whether the story was legitimate.

Pennsylvania: Ten-year-old and 17-year-old arrested, charged with illegally shooting and killing ten deer for fun over a two-nigh period in Beaver County

PENNSYLVANIA -- A tip to the Pennsylvania Game Commission's “Operation Game Thief” led to charges filed against two boys for illegally slaughtering at least ten white-tailed deer with a high-caliber rifle during two nights recently in Beaver County, according to an Oct. 31 report from the Game Commission.

The two boys, who were not identified in the Game Commission report, included a 10-year-old from Pennsylvania and a 17-year-old Ohio resident.

Why isn't the 17-year-old being charged as an adult - and identified??

There's a difference between legitimate hunting and the two-day 

slaughter. Were these even kill shots or were the animals 
purposely shot in a way that would have inflicted the most 
suffering and pain? 

Each suspect has been charged with four misdemeanor and six felony counts for unlawful taking of big game, including numerous summary offense charges for other violations.

Anyone with information about wildlife crimes can call the Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-888-PGC-8001 or visit http://bit.ly/PGCOGT to fill out an online form.

There's a difference between legitimate hunting and the two-day slaughter. Were these even kill shots or were the animals purposely shot in a way that would have inflicted the most suffering and pain? The animals not immediately killed were left to slowly suffer and die. And their meat, which could have been donated to a soup kitchen, went to waste. This is not normal.

(Tribune Live - Nov 3, 2017)

Florida: Don Daggett is accused of being a poacher; illegally killing alligator

FLORIDA -- A Palm City man illegally shot and killed an alligator near Lake Okeechobee for its meat, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says.

Officers arrested Donald Daggett in Palm Beach County on Oct. 21 and charged him with illegally killing the alligator.

A woman reported the March 12 incident to authorities on June 26, according to an arrest report.

The woman gave investigators a plastic bag full of alligator meat and video and pictures showing Daggett and another man taking an alligator from a ditch, the report states.

The men are accused of loading the alligator into Daggett's truck at an Army Corp of Engineering construction project on Lake Okeechobee in Palm Beach County. More photos show the two men cleaning the alligators and then dumping them.

Records show Martin County sheriff deputies arrested Daggett in July for sexual cyber harassment toward the same woman, unrelated to the alligator investigation. Daggett was driving his same work vehicle seen in the pictures and videos at the time of this arrest.

A search of the vehicle by FWC scientists found alligator blood traces in the bed of the truck.

The woman said she went with Daggett, another man and the man’s girlfriend to the construction site with a rifle in March, an officer wrote in the report.

She said the four of them drove around a canal until they found an alligator. Daggett shot the alligator and then handed her the spent rifle cartridge, the report states.

The two men went into the ditch to get the alligator, noticed it was still alive and shot it again. They then loaded it into the back of the truck.

Later on they all drove down the road toward the 16500 block of SW Conners Hwy. The men could be seen in the pictures and video cleaning and bagging two alligators, according to the report.

The woman told officers Daggett then drove to a bridge and threw the alligator carcasses off the bridge.

Daggett was released from the Palm Beach County Jail on Oct. 21 on $4,500 bond.

ARREST INFO:
Full Name: Donald Arthur Daggett
Aliases: Don Daggett, Donny Daggett, Donnie Daggett
Race: White
Gender: Male
Birthdate: 05/03/1979
Arrest Age:38
Date:10/21/2017
Time: 6:04 PM
Arresting Agency: Palm Beach Sheriff's Office
Charges
#1 CONSERVATION-ANIMALS - LVL4 KILL INJUR POSS GATOR OR EGG WO AUTHORITY
STATUTE: 379.409-8220
Bond: $4,500

PREVIOUS ARREST:
Palm City man accused of sexual cyber harassment
TC Palm - July 20, 2017

A 38-year-old man was arrested on a warrant Wednesday, less than a month after a woman complained he had posted sexually explicit pictures of her online, along with her address and phone number, according to a Martin County Sheriff’s Office affidavit.

Donald Arthur Daggett, whose permanent address is listed as being in the 4500 block of Southwest 83rd Street in Palm City, was charged with sexual cyber harassment, records show. He was released from the Martin County Jail on Wednesday after he posted a $5,000 bond.

The images were posted to two private pages on Facebook in late June and the woman notified deputies of the matter July 8, the affidavit said. Records of an email conversation between the two indicated Daggett was angry with the woman, it said.

(WPTV - Oct 23, 2017)

Florida: Jose Salazar, 18, accused of poaching animals... he gives hunters a bad name

Full Name: Jose Monroe Salazar
Residence Block: 6700 NW 27th Blvd, Jennings, Florida 32053
Gender: Male
Race: Hispanic
Arrest Age: 18
Arrest Date: 10/01/2017
Arrest Time: 6:57 AM
Arresting Agency: FLORIDA FISH & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMM.
Location: Hamilton County, Florida
Charges
#1 CONSERVATION-ANIMALS
STATUTE: 379.404.1 (F M)
NOTES: TAKE KILL POSS DEER OR TURKEY CLOSED SEASON

Florida: Roger Sands, 36, arrested after being caught spotlighting deer

Full Name: Roger Dale Sands
Race: White
Gender: Male
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 180 lbs
Hair Color: BLN
Eye Color: BLU
Birthdate: 10/19/1980
Arrest Age:36
Arrest Date:09/29/2017
Arrest Time: 9:30 AM
Total Bond: $5658
Arrest Location:FOREST RD 14, Marion, Florida
Charges
#1 MOVING TRAFFIC VIOL-DRIVE WHILE LIC SUSP HABITUAL OFFENDER
STATUTE: 322.34-5 ( F)
BOND: $2000
NOTES: DWLSR HABITUAL

#2 CONSERVATION-ANIMALS-TAKE DEER OR TURKEY WITH GUN AND LIGHT
STATUTE: 379.404-1 ( M)
BOND: $500
NOTES: POSSESSION OF GUN AND LIGHT

#3 OUT-OF-COUNTY WARRANT-
STATUTE: 901.04 ( N)
BOND: $3158
NOTES: OUT-OF-COUNTY WARRANT-LAKE COUNTY-WRIT OF BODILY ATTACHMENT

Florida: Matthew Cone, 32, accused of poaching alligators

Full Name: Matthew Addison Cone
Alias: Matt Cone
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birthdate: 05/09/1985
Arrest Age: 32
Block: 800 Belair Rd
City: Pensacola, Florida 32505
Date: 07/13/2017
Time: 12:40 PM
Arresting Agency: ESCAMBIA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Arrest Location: Escambia County, Florida
Charges
#1 CONSERVATION-ANIMALS
STATUTE: 379.409.1 (T F)

379.409. Illegal killing, possessing, or capturing of alligators or other crocodilia or eggs; confiscation of equipment

(1) A person may not intentionally kill, injure, possess, or capture, or attempt to kill, injure, possess, or capture, an alligator or other crocodilian, or the eggs of an alligator or other crocodilian, unless authorized by rules of the commission.

Any equipment, including, but not limited to, weapons, vehicles, boats, and lines, used by a person in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, or order relating to alligators or other crocodilia or the eggs of alligators or other crocodilia shall, upon conviction of such person, be confiscated by the commission and disposed of according to rules and regulations of the commission.

The arresting officer shall promptly make a return of the seizure, describing in detail the property seized and the facts and circumstances under which it was seized, including the names of all persons known to the officer who have an interest in the property.

(2) The commission shall promptly fix the value of the property and make return to the clerk of the circuit court of the county wherein same was seized. Upon proper showing that any such property is owned by, or titled in the name of, any innocent party, such property shall be promptly returned to such owner.

(3) The provisions of this section shall not vitiate any valid lien, retain title contract, or chattel mortgage on such property in effect as of the time of such seizure.

(4) A person who violates this section commits a Level Four violation under s. 379.401, in addition to such other punishment as provided by law.

Florida: Arrested back in January along with his 'doobie brother' Daniel Lawlor, Ashtyn Rance has additional charges filed against him

FLORIDA -- Back in January, Ashtyn and Daniel were heading down the road in their oh-so-stylish blue Mom Jeans minivan. Ashtyn was driving but apparently hit the bong a bit too hard. A cop spotted him "driving erratically" and pulled him over.

Walking up to the van, the cop immediately smelled the pot which gave him enough probable cause to yank them out of the van. Inside the van, they found more than 100 small critters destined for Emerald Coral & Reptiles Pet Store (which is apparently under investigation for allegedly purchasing non-permitted wildlife and re-selling them with possibly falsified permits or on the black market).

It didn't appear that the animals had been abused or neglected. I'm sure these two idiots got paid per animal so it wasn't in their best interests to arrive at Emerald Coral & Reptiles with a van full of dead reptiles.

The problem is: neither Ashtyn nor Daniel had the proper permits for these animals. Where did they get them? Who knows? But the cops called Florida Fish and Wildlife who came out, photographed, inventoried all the animals, and threw some initial charges at the two potheads.

The few hermit crabs and the red snake are native to Florida so they released them to live happily ever after. However, the iguanas, lizards and geckos were not so lucky.

 

NOTHING TO SMILE ABOUT
They killed this little lizard for no reason except he wasn't
native to Florida and the 2 men did not have permits for him.

Wildlife officers KILLED ALL 76 OF THE IGUANAS, LIZARDS AND GECKOS.

Why? What did they do to deserve death?

Because they're not native to Florida, they couldn't be released. So? Assign the proper permits to the animals and send them to a qualified reptile rescue. But, see, wildlife agencies don't do that. It's easier for them to simply kill the animals.

Anyway, looks like Ashtyn Rance picked up some additional charges since the January arrest and the judge slapped a $65,000 bond on him so he might still be cooling his jets at the county jail right now.

Fort Pierce man jailed in sale of pink toe tarantulas, boas, other exotics
TC Palm - June 2, 2017

A Fort Pierce man accused of improperly selling a variety of exotic animals, including pink toe tarantulas and Brazilian rainbow boas, was arrested on more than 10 charges, according to records released this week.

Ashtyn Michael Rance, 31, of the 10300 block of Orange Avenue in Fort Pierce, was arrested Wednesday on 12 misdemeanor counts of possession of captive wildlife for commercial or sanctuary purposes without a permit and a single misdemeanor count related to having a nile monitor.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigation began after Rance in May 2016 was denied a license for the commercial sale/exhibit/display of so-called Class III wildlife, which includes skunks, parrots, snakes, geckos, finches, foxes and frogs.

By comparison, Class I wildlife includes lions, hippopotamuses, bears and elephants — animals “that pose a significant danger to people,” according to the FWC. Class II wildlife, which also can pose a danger, includes bobcats, howler monkeys, dwarf crocodiles and wolverines.

In June 2016, an investigator reported seeing Rance in Hillsborough County at a reptile exposition with Class III wildlife for commercial purposes.

A month after that, investigators got information “on Facebook that Rance continued to commercially sell captive wildlife without a license.” Rance also posted pictures of himself importing creatures from Guyana, records show.

Investigators said that Rance on a Facebook page stated he used another entity’s license, but investigators say that license is for a different address in Palm Bay and in Rance’s case is not allowed.

Other records gotten through a Facebook search warrant and PayPal subpoena show arrangements for payment from people via PayPal for animals including collared lizards, red foot tortoises and blue iguanas.

Rob Klepper, a spokesman for FWC, said whether the people who bought the creatures did anything inappropriate depends on the laws of their state. At least one person was in Colorado and one in Georgia.

“His violations were in regards to the sale of these animals, not necessarily the possession,” Klepper said.

One $2,720 direct deposit was for a variety of creatures including 10 Nile monitors. It’s illegal to possess those without a permit, Klepper said.

Nile monitors are non-native lizards that can grow to more than 5 feet and weigh nearly 15 pounds.

Rance was cited two previous times by FWC, and warned four previous times, according to Klepper.

Records provided by FWC show Rance in 2014 was convicted of possession of a venomous reptile without a license in Brevard County. That related to a dusky pygmy rattlesnake.

Rance was also convicted of cruelty to animals in 2006 in Palm Beach County.

“The FWC promotes responsible ownership of captive wildlife, and it is the goal of the FWC to develop the best regulations possible that provide for public safety, animal welfare, and the legitimate use of wildlife for educational, exhibition, or personal purposes,” Klepper said via email. “Florida’s captive wildlife regulations are among the most stringent in the nation.”

Rance was held Friday in the St. Lucie County Jail on $65,000 bail, a jail official said.

ARREST INFO:
Full Name: Ashtyn Michael Rance
Sex: Male
Race: White
Arrest Age: 31
Date: 05/31/2017
Time: 4:46 PM
Arresting Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife
Location: St. Lucie County, Florida
Total Bond: $65,000
Charges
#1 Exhibition And Sale Of Wildlife W/o A Permit. BOND: $5000
#2 Exhibition And Sale Of Wildlife W/o A Permit. BOND: $5000
#3 Exhibition And Sale Of Wildlife W/o A Permit. BOND: $5000
#4 Exhibition And Sale Of Wildlife W/o A Permit. BOND: $5000
#5 Exhibition And Sale Of Wildlife W/o A Permit. BOND: $5000
#6 Exhibition And Sale Of Wildlife W/o A Permit. BOND: $5000
#7 Exhibition And Sale Of Wildlife W/o A Permit. BOND: $5000
#8 Exhibition And Sale Of Wildlife W/o A Permit. BOND: $5000
#9 Exhibition And Sale Of Wildlife W/o A Permit. BOND: $5000
#10 Exhibition And Sale Of Wildlife W/o A Permit. BOND: $5000
#11 Exhibition And Sale Of Wildlife W/o A Permit. BOND: $5000
#12 Exhibition And Sale Of Wildlife W/o A Permit. BOND: $5000
#13 Possession Of Prohibited Reptile. BOND: $5000

  

Earlier:

• Florida: Daniel Lawlor and Ashtyn Rance arrested after authorities found 114 lizards and hermit crabs in their van. Florida Fish & Wildlife KILLED SEVENTY-SIX OF THESE ANIMALS FOR NO GOOD REASON!

Florida: Aramis Barcelo, 36, charged with 36 counts of possessing undersized and out of season lobsters. This guy is why we can't have anything nice. He doesn't think rules apply to him.

ARREST INFORMATION:
Full Name: Aramis Barcelo
Block: 1700 NW 69th St
City: Miami, Florida 33147
Occupation: TOW TRUCK DRIVER
Gender: Male
Birthdate: 02/14/1981
Arrest Age: 36
Date: 05/28/2017
Arresting Agency: FWC -
Arrest Location: OVERSEAS HWY FIESTA KEY, 70001, Monroe, FL
Location: Monroe County Florida
Charges:
36 Misdemeanor count of VIOL FWC RULE OR ORDER LEVEL TWO SUBSQ OFF
STATUTE: 379.401.2a ( Misdemeanor)

FLORIDA -- On Sunday, May 28, 2017 at Fiesta Key near mile marker 70, a Miami man was arrested on multiple lobster violations. The FWC charged Aramis Barcelo, 36, with possession of 12 wrung lobster tails on the water, all undersized and out of season. Barcelo faces 36 misdemeanor counts.

Hopefully he'll have to forfeit his boat as well as it was used in the commission of a crime.

  

 

MORE INFO:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement - Wrung Lobster Tails
Spiny lobster must be taken to shore in whole condition. Separating the tail from the body is prohibited while on state waters.

Spiny lobster may be harvested recreationally during the July 25-26 sport season and during the regular season, which starts Aug. 6. Make sure to “know before you go.” Spiny lobster may not be harvested in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park during the sport season and in Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park and no-take areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary during both the 2-day sport season and the regular season.
photo: Tim Donovan/FWC

(FL Keys News - May 31, 2017)

Florida: Ray Saunders and Carl Cobb poached more than 500 Loggerhead sea turtle eggs

FLORIDA -- Two men are facing criminal charges for poaching hundreds of sea turtle eggs in St. Lucie County.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission arrested Raymond Saunders, 50, and Carl Cobb, 60, both of Riviera Beach.

The two are accused of stealing more than 500 Loggerhead sea turtle eggs in a rural beach area of North Hutchinson Island early Wednesday morning. A tip from a nest watch volunteer led to the arrests.

Saunders and Cobb will be in court Thursday morning.

The men are facing third degree Felony charges of possession of more than 11 marine turtle species/eggs and illegal taking/distribution of sea turtle eggs.

Experts reburied the eggs with the hope that they can be hatched.

Sea turtle eggs are considered a delicacy in some cultures, and can be sold for $20 – $30 per dozen.

“There is a market that goes on in this area for illegal harvest of sea turtle eggs, we speculate that may be the motivator for this kind of situation, but all of that will have to be determined as the investigation continues,” said Carol Lynn Parrish with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

While sea turtle egg poaching is not common, Parrish says it’s not unheard of.

In July 2016, FWC arrested 49 year-old Glenn Robert Shaw of Tequesta for allegedly stealing 107 eggs from a nest behind a Jupiter Island home.

These cases, Parrish said, shows the importance of the public remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity.

People who suspect illegal activity or see injured wildlife can call Florida Fish and Wildlife’s 24 hour hotline at 1-888-404-3922.

Loggerhead Nesting In Florida:
The loggerhead turtle is the most common sea turtle found in Florida. It has a reddish-brown shell and is named for its large head. Adults can weigh between 200 and 350 pounds and can reach 3 feet in length. Loggerheads typically nest in Florida from April to September.

Females return to their nesting beach every two or more years (average 2.7 years) to lay an average of 4.1 clutches, one about every 14 days (Witherington et al. 2006). Each nest contains an average of 114 eggs (Brost et al. 2015).

Laws:
Sea turtles are either endangered or threatened (the loggerhead is the only species that has a population high enough to be only threatened in Florida). They are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 and  Florida's Marine Turtle Protection Act (379.2431, Florida Statutes).

Florida Statutes (F.A.C. Rule 68E-1) restrict the take, possession, disturbance, mutilation, destruction, selling, transference, molestation, and harassment of marine turtles, nests or eggs.  Protection is also afforded to marine turtle habitat.

A specific authorization from Commission staff is required to conduct scientific, conservation, or educational activities that directly involve marine turtles in or collected from Florida, their nests, hatchlings or parts thereof, regardless of applicant's possession of any federal permit.

ARREST INFO:
Full Name: Carl Lawrence Cobb
Gender: Male
Arrest Age:60
Date:05/24/2017
Time: 5:55 PM
Total Bond: $7500
Charges

1. A Person,firm Or Corp That Illegally Possess More Than 11 Marine Turtle Eggs. BOND: $3750
2. Any Person That Illegally Takes Distrubs Mutilates Destroys Causes To Be Destroyed Transfers Sells Offer To Sell Molest Or Harrasses Any Marine Turtle Species Nest Eggs. BOND: $3750

PREVIOUS ARRESTS:

Full Name: Carl Lawrence Cobb
Date:01/07/2010
Time: 8:29 PM
Arresting Agency: PBSO
Arrest Age:53
Current Age: 60
Gender: Male
Birthdate: 08/22/1956
Block: 1400 W 36th St
City: West Palm Beach, Florida 33404
Charges

1. SHOPLIFTING-PETIT FROM MERCHANT 2ND OR SUBSQ OFF. STATUTE: 812.015-2801
2. CRIMES AGAINST PERSON-RESIST PROP RECOVERY RETAIL MERCHANT OR FARMER. STATUTE: 812.015-2804

Full Name: Carl Lawrence Cobb
Date:06/23/2010
Time: 2:37 AM
Arresting Agency: PBSO
Personal Information
Arrest Age:53
Current Age: 60
Gender: Male
Birthdate: 08/22/1956
Block: 1400 W 36th St
City: West Palm Beach, Florida 33404
Charges

1. FAILURE TO APPEAR-FAILURE TO APPEAR. STATUTE: 843.15-3163
1. NOTES: FTA FOR ARR: CT1} RETAIL THEFT BOND: $150
2. NOTES: CT2} RESISTING MERCHANT BOND: $150 DIV/NB JDG/ JOHNSON

ARREST INFO:
Full Name: Raymond Lamar Saunders
Date:05/24/2017
Time: 5:39 PM
Agency: St. Lucie County, Florida
Total Bond: $7,500
Charges

1. A Person,firm Or Corp That Illegally Possess More Than 11 Marine Turtle Eggs BOND: $3,750 
2. Any Person That Illegally Takes Distrubs Mutilates Destroys Causes To Be Destroyed Transfers Sells Offer To Sell Molest Or Harrasses Any Marine Turtle Species Nest Eggs. BOND: $3,750 

Previous arrests:
Full Name: Raymond Lamar Saunders
Arrest Age:41
Current Age: 50
Gender: Male
Birthdate: 02/26/1967
Block: 1400 W 29th St City: West Palm Beach, Florida 33404
Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Date:02/03/2009
Time: 4:58 PM
Arresting Agency: RIVIERA BEACH
Charges
#1 TRESPASSING-PROPERTY NOT STRUCTURE OR CONVEY STATUTE: 810.09-2773

Full Name: Raymond Lamar Saunders 

Arrest Age:44
Gender: Male
Birthdate: 02/26/1967
Block: 2500 Westchester Dr City: Riviera Beach, Florida 33407 Date:03/19/2011 Time: 5:49 PM
Arresting Agency: RIVIERA BEACH Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Charges

1. LOITERING - OR PROWLING STATUTE: 856.021-3246 

Full Name: Raymond Lamar Saunders
Arrest Age:47
Gender: Male
Birthdate: 02/26/1967
Block: 1100 W 29th St City: Riviera Beach, Florida 33404
Date:04/20/2014
Arresting Agency: RIVIERA BEACH
Location: Palm Beach County, Florida
Total Bond: $3,000
Charges

1. TRESPASSING - FAIL TO LEAVE PROPERTY UPON ORDER BY OWNER STATUTE: 810.09-2774 
2. COCAINE-POSSESS - POSSESS COCAINE STATUTE: 893.13-5330 BOND: $3,000 

Full Name: Raymond Lamar Saunders
Date:09/04/2014
Time: 11:25 AM
Arresting Agency: PBSO
Arrest Age:47
Gender: Male
Birthdate: 02/26/1967
Block: 1400 W 29th St City: West Palm Beach, Florida 33404
Location: Palm Beach County, Florida
Charges

1. BOOKED - RE-COMMIT STATUTE: 0004 

 (WINK News - May 26, 2017)