Florida law enforcement has announced charges against 10 people after a multiyear undercover investigation revealed a major illegal commercial fishing operation.
“We plan to leave Florida better to God than how we found it, and poachers abusing our natural resources will be prosecuted to the fullest extent,” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said in a release. “Those who abuse our waters and wildlife will find out how tough our laws are. The Office of Statewide Prosecution, FWC [Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission], and our local law enforcement officers will ensure criminals are caught and punished.”
The long-term investigation began in May 2022 after law enforcement received complaints about reef fish poaching. A suspect also approached investigators about buying illegally caught fish, and undercover officers later purchased five sea turtles from members of the group.
According to the office of the attorney general, the scheme involved fishers catching and retaining red snapper and gag grouper above their quota and then selling the excess fish dockside to avoid reporting requirements. Individuals also sold fish out of their homes and on the water. Law enforcement has accused the 10 named individuals of collectively poaching roughly 23,000 pounds of fish, shrimp, and sea turtles, valued at more than USD 150,000 (EUR 133,966).
“Commercial fishermen are an integral part of our communities and Florida’s economy,” FWC Division of Law Enforcement Director Alberto Maza said in a release. “The actions of these poachers undermine Florida’s resources, the livelihoods of law-abiding fishermen, and the interests of all Floridians. I’m incredibly proud of our investigators' commitment to protecting Florida’s fisheries and fishing industry and their tireless work to bring these poaching fraudsters to justice.”
The 10 Florida residents named as suspects are:
- Kayla Ann Boak of Bradenton for racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, and cheating;
- Terry Stephen Carrington Jr. of Port St. Joe for racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, unlawful possession or sale of marine turtles, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and cheating;
- David Eugene Echterling of Eastpoint racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, unlawful possession or sale of marine turtles, and cheating;
- Anthony Emmett Folsom of Carrabelle for racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, unlawful possession or sale of marine turtles, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and cheating;
- Steven Hawley of Eastpoint for racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, unlawful possession or sale of marine turtles, and cheating;
- Curtis Randolph Morse of Gibsonton for racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, unlawful possession or sale of marine turtles, and cheating;
- Jordan Neylan of Apalachicola for racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, unlawful possession or sale of marine turtles, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and cheating;
- Robert Register of Carrabelle for racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and cheating;
- Joe Frank Tessa III of Largo for racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and cheating; and
- Casey Lee Whitlock II of Crawfordville for racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and cheating.
“Florida’s fisheries belong to all of us, and the rules exist to protect these resources and the fishermen who play by them,” FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto said in a release. “I’m proud of the hard work and dedication of our undercover officers over the past four years. We need thorough enforcement, accurate reporting, and accountability to ensure Florida’s fisheries remain healthy and sustainable for everyone.”
