More than 6,000 spiny lobster tails worth $30,000 have been confiscated from a Florida Keys commercial fishermen charged with poaching in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Officials are calling it one of the largest lobster poaching cases ever prosecuted in the southeastern United States.
David W. Dreifort, 41, of Cudjoe Key, was freed on more than $1 million bail yesterday after a federal court hearing in Key West, the Associated Press reports. Dreifort's attorney, Manny Garcia, says Dreifort will plead not guilty.
Dreifort was charged with federal environmental law violations and conspiracy. If convicted, Dreifort could face up to five years in prison for each charge, as well as fines and penalties.
