CARRABELLE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) – An undercover operation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission netted 10 people accused of running an illegal fishing operation, according to Attorney General James Uthmeier.
The arrests were announced as part of “Operation Stolen Waters” on Monday in Carrabelle.
More than 25,000 pounds were illegally fished and the poachers allegedly made out with $170,000 in sales, according to a Monday press release.
The accused poachers not only snagged fish, but also sea turtles, Uthmeier said.
Of the ten suspects, three are accused of stealing turtles. They sold five turtles, three adults and two hatchlings, to undercover officers, the press release said. Those three could face 75 years in prison.
According to a press release, the case started in 2022 when investigators were looking into complaints about reef fish poaching in the Gulf. One of the suspects approached investigators about buying illegally caught fish, the press release said.
Investigators said the group regularly caught more red snapper and grouper than allowed and would sell the fish dockside at night, out of their homes or through handoffs on the water.
“Those who abuse our waters and wildlife will find out how tough our laws are,” Uthmeier said. “The Office of Statewide Prosecution, FWC and out local law enforcement officers will ensure criminals are caught and punished.”
The suspects are from areas like Port St. Joe, Eastpoint, Largo and Franklin County. The case will be tried in Pinnellas County.
Those not accused of stealing turtles could face between 65 and 70 years in prison.
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