FWC, put the gun down. Don't take the lobster out of your pocket. I see the Langosta. Hands up. Drop the spear gun. Don't drop the fish. >> If I have to get in this water, you're going to jail. >> Yeah. >> Bring me the snook right now. If I get in this water, you're going to jail. Bring me the snook. >> No. >> Out on the water, the rules are pretty clear. But that doesn't stop some people from pretending they had no idea what they were doing. >> I could take you to jail right now. >> I understand that. That's a bad example to set. >> You're right. You're right. >> That's not the question I asked, Mr. Sanchez. I asked, >> "Is what you're charging me with, is that the lowest charge you [music] could have charged me with?" >> And when the officers step in, these fishermen scramble for excuses to avoid any consequences. We then see what happens when cops catch illegal fishermen acting innocent and dumb. Look like babies here. This one doesn't even make the top side. >> So, I don't know how you measure that. That doesn't even have the top side. >> Okay. What? Let me see your measuring device. >> On the 9th of February, 2025 in Monroe County, an officer was on patrol when he noticed a boat carrying several stone crab traps. As he approached the vessel, he saw the captain there measuring the stone crab claws. >> Right. Whose trap is it? We just found this trap. This trap we just found and there's no name on it. That's why it's here. >> Is it yours? >> Okay. Then why is it on your boat? >> Well, because there was no buoy. >> Well, it could be somebody that lost their buoy and now they're looking. >> I just said there's no name on it. It's exactly >> Okay. Well, we don't know that the name wasn't put in the concrete. We don't know a lot of things. But it's not going to go in your boat just because you found the trap. It's not, hey, we found a trap. It's ours. We're good. >> You know what? I honestly thought that that's the way. >> You know what that's called? >> It's called trap robbing. It's a felony. >> No, I honestly didn't know. >> Okay. >> Trap robbing aside, when the officer approached the boat, he saw the captain, David, measuring the claws, like we said. So, he was not only tampering with traps illegally, but he was also poaching the undersized crabs. To confirm his suspicion, the officer measured the claws himself. Who's measuring these? >> Okay. Well, here's one that's short. >> Okay. Why don't you go ahead and measure? >> And I'm measuring it from there to there. >> So So we don't even know how to measure it then. >> Well, don't I thought you measure it from the joint? >> Yeah. To the bottom side of the claw. >> It's the bottom claw, sir. The bottom side of the claw. You know, I'm not out here trying to violate. >> I didn't say you were, but you are. >> Okay. But you do sound. >> Look at the size of that. Jesus like babies here. This one doesn't even make the top side. >> I don't know how you measure that. That doesn't even have the top side with this, sir. >> Okay. What? Let me see your measuring device. >> Your measuring device is exactly like mine. The cop went on with his measurements and there were several in the captain's possession that were below the legal limit. Next, he assessed the captain's safety equipment on board the vessel. >> 28. These are good. All right. I see you have your sound producing device. Um, do you have a type four throwable? >> A throwable device. >> Can I see that? >> Okay. And then four life check. >> Right up. >> Hold that. And your fire extinguisher if that's around. >> There's a T-Mobile technician on train requesting you be. >> Uh yeah. >> Okay. Good. >> The man had all the necessary safety equipment, but unfortunately the captain's fire extinguisher was empty. Next up, the officer confiscated the stolen crab traps and gave David a copy of his ticket. >> All right, sir. You're being given a mandatory court appearance. Um, it's going to be uh February 26, 2025. I'm going to circle it right here, 8:45 in the morning. This is the address right here which is at the Plantation Key Courthouse just north of where you live. Uh actually south of where you live. Um you got to make sure you appear. Um otherwise they'll put a notice uh a warrant out for you for failed to appear. >> An attorney present. >> Absolutely. Yes. Yes, he can have an attorney present. Um >> just make sure he shows up too if if that's all you're asking him to do. Um, so you're being charged with possession of seven undersized uh crab stone uh stone crab claws. And if I can have you sign right here, this is not an admission of guilt. It's just stating that you know uh what your court date is. You know what you're being charged with and that you promised to appear. >> The man was very concerned that he might be headed to jail. To put the man's mind at ease, the officer explained the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony. Hopefully [music] the next time he thinks about tampering with someone else's crab traps, he'll remember this encounter. >> Yeah. So, we take our resources very very serious. >> So do I. >> And and and it's it's very unfortunate that I'm we're put in this position. Um >> it is. You know, >> because you didn't measure your stuff accurately. >> That's not the question I asked, Mr. Sanchez. I asked >> is what you're charging me with. Is that the lowest charge you could have charged me with? if you decide to charge. >> Yes. Yes. That is that is. Yes. And as a matter of fact, I could charge you I could give you seven counts, which is normally what they request us to do is do seven counts of undersized. I'm not doing that cuz then you'd face seven different charges of possession of undersized. I don't do that. I consider that kind of, you know, um I don't think there's a need for that. Um there's probably is at some point, but there isn't a need for that in this situation. So, I'm only charging you with one. And then, of course, [music] um being in possession of a of a trap that's not yours is a whole other misdemeanor, or you can even carry it as far as a felony, which I'm not going to do. I'm just going to go drop this off at the FWC station. appreciate that. And I will just say >> I, you know, I live over here in my neighborhood. >> A lot of these people grew up here and >> um [music] >> I did too. >> And and and they >> Yeah. >> David told the officer he thought the trap was abandoned and that he was doing the right thing by removing it from the water. Considering the numerous laws he'd broken, he was lucky to get off with just a slap on the wrist. >> Um, this one's yours also. >> Thank you. >> Okay. If you if you [music] can look at it and notice there's one two misdemeanors already. They don't have a [music] um you're supposed to have an exit hole in there. >> That came out this year. >> Um yeah, you see that? >> Yeah, that's fine. That [music] one doesn't. >> Yeah, that's an older track. >> Yeah. And you're not doing it. You do it for one, but you don't do it for the other, you know. And and I is that even the right size? >> Yeah. I don't think that's even the right size. I mean, >> is that >> So guys, we we can't just come out here [music] and just like you, you know, we got to do it the whole way. >> Just asking you. I >> I understand. And and I'm and again, I'm trying to tell you, you know, it's not just >> Yeah. I'm not going to listen to my neighbors. I'm going to read the >> Yeah. Yeah. >> David agreed with the officer and apologized for what he'd done. Next, he signed his name on the dotted line, promising to appear in court. Sounds like the man had a lot to learn. And hopefully next time he'd be a little more prepared. >> Yeah, it's got to have that escape ring. And they don't they don't really s, hey, you got to buy that escape ring. But the escape ring has to be of the size. The hole has to be of the size. So, um, yeah. And if you're going to go pull the other traps, make sure they have an escape ring. Otherwise, don't put them back in the water. We as as law enforcement officers on the water. We um we actually uh [music] enforce whatever FWC enforces as long as it's within state and county waters. All right. Okay. You all have a good day. He later pled no contest and was sentenced to 6 months probation, 36 hours of community service with a buyout [music] option at $10 an hour and had to pay fines in court cost of almost $800. On the 26th of August 2024 in the Florida Keys, a fish and wildlife officer responded to a call where reportedly a woman was illegally harvesting queen conch. >> Hello. How you doing? >> Good. How can I help you? got a call of uh queen conchk being harvested. >> Really? >> Yes. And it's that bag that's tied off to your belt. >> Oh, I didn't know they were queens. I looked them up online. >> Okay. So, yeah, those are Queen Kong. Do you have a driver's license with you by any chance? >> Yes. Do I want to take a picture? Oh, can you go grab it for me, sweetie? >> Okay. >> Yeah. No, I looked them up online. Like, I was like trying really hard to like cuz I was seeing that and then I didn't think they were. So, if they are, I'm so sorry. No, they are. They're and they're all alive. So, you cannot harvest Queen Conch. >> Okay. >> Only the shell if there's nothing in it. >> But because there's organisms in it, I do have to report this. And it is a misdemeanor. >> So, I do have to give you what's called a notice to appear. That's why I got to get your driver's license. Um, >> okay, that's fine. >> So, I got to wait and then I'm going to >> see it was my license. So, and I looked it up and I thought that they were >> So, if you want a more reliable app, there's one called Fish Rules. It's like blue. I'll show you what it looks The woman apologized, saying she simply didn't understand the rules and she didn't think they were Queen Kongs. The officer replied that he believed her, but nevertheless, it was still a misdemeanor and she'd have to face the consequences. >> Is that like time or something? >> Yeah, a misdemeanor is a criminal offense, but I'm giving you a notice to appear. So, I'm not instead of taking you to jail, I'm giving you notice to appear, which means that you just promise that on the date that's there or you can reschedule whatever you're just going to appear. That's it. I'm not going to physically take you to jail, but technically it is an arrest. >> Oh, wow. >> Yeah. No, we don't. We do don't take this lightly. Whether it was it was >> No, no, I understand. >> So, look, see how there's that red with this cross mark? You click it >> and it'll tell you. >> Okay, cool. >> So, and then additional regulations, it'll tell you and any additional information about it. >> Okay, cool. >> So, the only time we permit people to take Queen Conch is if there's nothing in it. So, if there's no organism in it and you're just taking the show, absolutely, it's fine. But if cuz some people will take the meat and eat it. Not saying that's your goal, but that's >> that was my goal because I didn't think they were queen >> kongs. >> Okay, then. Yes, then. Yeah, you can't eat them. >> Okay. >> These are not These are Queen Kongs. >> They all of them are. >> I have to check the rest of them. I haven't pulled them out of your bag yet. I wanted to confirm this was your bag and you said it was already. So, yeah. >> I take photos once we >> Yeah. So, I'm going to Yeah, I'm going to cut the line and I'll open it and I'll look at it and then I'll tight that up and then I'll see if they're all alive. Um, let me get my >> Because they were in the water. So, someone pulled them out of the water. >> Yeah. The cops dug through the woman's hall and confirmed what she'd taken were all queen conchk. In defending her actions, she claimed she'd mistaken the shells for horse conchk, which is legal to harvest. >> So horse conchk, see the the top part right there, it's more it comes out longer, whereas the queen conchk, it's all hugging together. Horse conchk has that like elongated part. That's why people like like use it for like horns and stuff, >> like to blow as a horn. It's got that pointed. >> Okay, good. Thank you for the education. >> Queens don't see how queens don't have that. I have a marine biology degree, so I go full nerd. >> Oh, no. Actually, we're in school for that right now. >> And that's why we made sure that they were the right size to be able and that's why we had them in the water. So, whoever reported it, pull them out of the water. >> That's fine. I'll I'll I'm going to take >> that in the report though. Like like >> Yeah. Yeah. I'll put that. Well, you I'm going to quote everything you're saying that's on the body cam right now. So, you're fine. >> Oh, thank you body cam and [laughter] thank you for your service. Like it was completely I thought >> again it's not I know that you know you were trying to eat them but you did try to find out what they were but it's still I still have to document it. >> No, that's fine. While she was cooperative, her story kept changing. She initially claimed she didn't know it was Queen Conchk, but she also told the officer she tried to Google if it was legal to harvest it. Whether she was telling the truth or not, a quick search would confirm that it's indeed illegal. >> I'm really happy those people help me find you, cuz I would not have found you. Ground, >> just take the bag. >> Yeah, I'm going to give you back the bag. >> No, no, I just make it easy. You can just take it. You don't need it. >> No, I'll give it back to you. I'm not I don't need it. I'm I'm going to They're all going to be let go afterwards anyway. I'm not going to >> I just have to go take photos of all of them and show there was an organism in it. If there are any if there are any that don't have an organism, I'll give you the shell. >> Okay. [music] >> But the but the rest I'll have to dump over. Um it doesn't take me a second to type it up, print it out. I'll come back see. So don't leave here. >> Okay. >> Essentially, right now you're being detained, so you can't leave um till I give you the paper to have your ID anyway. >> The officer photographed the illegal harvest for evidence. She then went back to the woman on her boat to give her a ticket and serve a court summon. The woman was disappointed, but she really should have checked the regulations before harvesting a protected species. >> So, I do have a question. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, like being new to Florida, like within the last >> I'm listening. Sorry. I just want to make sure he's not such a con. >> Okay. Um being new to Florida like literally like not even a month here. So, and then I couldn't find anything um um online. And then when we were out where um not we excuse me when I was like out with my pup out there there were several like um paid tourist boats like charters and those paid captains like they were harvesting these all over the place. >> So you like I said you can only harvest it if there's no organism inside. >> Right. Right. I know. >> And even if they were again I'll catch them one day and I'll document it. All I'm doing is just documenting it. was asking like so um like um how how can I help that prevention species because I don't >> you can call my business card number. So there's two numbers. There's one that's 24/7 number >> like the the >> yeah take a photo of the boat stuff like that. That helps a lot. >> It was nice of course that she wanted to be an advocate and try to protect the local population of Queen Kong. That being said, she might have just been trying to score brownie points to lessen her charges. If she was really genuine, then good for her. But whatever the case, that's up to you to decide. >> Um I know like the the species is like um uh a 30-year long like you know and then they don't mature until they're like 20. And so when I'm sawing people taking conchs that were >> they were alive like that size. >> Well they could be queen or any other shell. It's so >> but yeah. So if you do see anything you can call. Yeah. That's the number to call. >> Thank you. I just wanted to ask that question. It's not related. >> No absolutely. Yeah that we're we're more than happy to help. We we do this all the time. Um, >> and again, I I >> I know it's not it's not I'm not doing it for intent. I'm just doing it because it's still a violation. I still got to document it. That's all. >> The suspect signed the court summons promising to appear in court. The officer instructed the woman to show up on her court date because otherwise they'd have to come back and arrest her, which was the last thing they wanted to do. >> But that app, you should download it. It's free and it tracks you everywhere in the United States. >> Okay. >> It's called Fish Rules. It's your best friend. >> Fish got that baby girl. >> You can do it through latl long GPS or through cell phone service. >> Well, yeah, cuz we go all over the world. >> Yeah. If you Yeah. And if you lose service or whatever, you can plug in the lat long manually like what's on your boat and it'll automatically pop up. >> And it tells us everything in every >> in that area. Yeah. >> Not every country, just the United States. >> Oh, just >> just all the US. Yeah. It won't do other countries. I don't know. >> Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. >> Well, Puerto Rico is part of the US. So, yes. Yes. Virgin Islands, too. >> Technically, so yes. >> Well, thank you, ma'am. >> No problem. No worries. I know. No worries. That number is my number. If you have any other problems, just give me a call or anything. I used to be a teacher for marine biology and ecology. So, >> okay. >> I'm more than happy to help out anytime. So, >> thank you, ma'am. >> No problem. >> Can you stay safe out there? >> Absolutely. I'm going to go hydrate cuz it's hot. >> It is hot. All right. Thanks, ma'am. >> No problem. >> After waving the suspect goodbye, the only thing left to do at that point was to return the Queen Conch to its original habitat. On the way back to her patrol vehicle, the officer stopped to talk to some concerned neighbors. You guys be safe. Thank you for your help. >> Thank you. >> Sorry we met on unfortunate circumstances. >> Yeah, I know. >> It's okay. >> Trying to harve them. Like keep them under the ground >> and eat them. >> They're from the Bahamas. >> But it's >> Yeah, I know. I I >> And it's like anyone could as much people tell them as people spend on their phone. It is just as easy to look up. >> She said she said she Googled it. [snorts] >> Google hardly live. I mean, >> it's okay. I already They're all They were all live. That was good. >> Um I just took pictures of them all and dumped them. So hopefully they'll make it. >> But yeah, if you guys [cough] haven't come across anything, feel free to give us a call. We respond very quickly. >> Oh, we respond very quickly. Thank you. >> Thank you guys. Be safe. >> They charged the woman with four counts of illegally harvesting Queen Kong. At first, she entered a non- guilty plea and requested a trial by jury, but a few weeks later, she changed her mind and plead no contest to one charge as part of a negotiated agreement. She was found guilty and sentenced to 6 months probation, had to pay fines and fees of $433, and also had to take a course on fishing regulations in Florida. In Florida, a wildlife officer noticed a car parked in a no parking zone and decided to investigate. After a quick search of the area, the officer encountered a man who said he'd been swimming with a friend. After a lengthy search through the mangrove, she eventually encountered the suspect and he was carrying a spear gun. >> FWC, put the gun down. Don't take the lobster out of your pocket. I see the Langosta. Hands up. Drop the spear gun. Don't drop the fish. Get out of the water. 8321. Show me out with one hotel knife with uh several violations currently waiting in the water with him. Out. Don't take the fish off your belt. No. I see the Robola. I see the langa. Up. Stand up. Turn around. Turn around. What did I say? Keep it on you. Turn around. Turn around real quick. No. Other hand. Show me your other hand. Show me your other hand. Don't drop anything. What did I just say? >> I just told you I'm FWC police and I told you not to drop anything. The officer, who was with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, had successfully snuck up on the suspect and captured him red-handed. Knowing that he was in trouble, he tried to dump some of the illegal harvest on the seabed, but the officer was two steps ahead of him. >> What did you drop on me? >> Oh, just uh this uh this stuff in my pocket. >> This stuff? You still have more stuff in your pocket? You didn't take anything else out? >> No. >> If I find it on the floor, you're going to get additional charges. >> Yeah. What? What was it? >> This stuff. >> Okay. Just more lobsters. >> Where's your spear gun? Down there. >> Down there. >> Okay. There's going to be an opening that way. We're going to head in that direction. >> 8321. Show 15. We're currently waiting in the water. >> Looks like the hunter here had become the hunted. While the officer harshly lectured the suspect, they waited back through the mangroves to the shoreline. >> Why? Why didn't you listen? >> Why aren't you listening? I'm >> just nervous. >> Why are you nervous? We could have had an easy conversation instead. I know that you were trying to throw things on me. Any other lobsters besides the one in your back pocket? That's it. Gone. You know it's a violation of spearing snook. Do you have a valid ID? >> Um, in the car. >> It's in the car. Okay. Is it a driver's license or ID? >> ID. >> ID. Okay. You didn't touch anything. We would have had a little bit of a better interaction, but instead you had to try to take everything out of your pocket and throw it. You see where those mangroves are? Where they come out? That's where the opening is. >> The officer led the man out of the mangroves and back to the main path where a patrol car waited. Once they got there, she rifled through his pockets for the illegal harvest, which included several shellfish as well as a lobster. Really stuck him in there. Did you measure him or did you not care to measure him? >> No, I didn't measure. >> Did you spear him? I can tell if I take him out and I find a spear as a knife. Nothing else. You have an ID? A Florida ID? >> No. Florida. >> What is it? >> Passport. >> You only have a passport. Nothing else? No. >> Okay. >> Putting aside what he had in his pockets. He'd also caught some other specimens and tried to ditch them. It wasn't a coincidence, of course, that he did so when the officer first approached. He could play dumb all he wanted. But he knew that what he'd done was unlawful. >> When I told you that I was who I was, I told you not to reach in your pocket. I knew what you were doing. and you were trying to untie your bow. Okay. The ravalo, the snook there, you cannot spear the snook and they have to be a specific size. >> Okay. >> Okay. The sheep said you can spear as long as they're specific size. >> Okay. >> I did not appreciate when you didn't listen to me and I knew what you were doing. You don't start throwing things when I tell you not to throw anything and not to do anything. You don't do it still. The water's crystal clear and I'm watching your every moves. >> Yes, >> the detainy are out of the water. 8321. I don't know what's transmitting at the moment. Myself and the detainy are out of the water. Show several tulip snails, lobster, snook, and sheep set in possession as well as a spear gun. Oh, no. You do have a mask. See? Why mask in a snorkel? When you have a snorkel on there, you have to have a dive flag. >> In total, he'd taken a lobster, a sheep's head, and a snook, each of which appeared to have been speared. He also had some small conch shells in his pocket. Next, the officer measured his catch to see if it was legal. You have the right [music] to remain silent. Anything you can, anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to talk to a lawyer and have them present. How long have you been in the US? >> More than 20 years. Okay. Minor, do you know the rules and regulations to fishing? >> Not really. >> Not really. What's not really? You don't fully understand. Do you What do you understand? With the snook, do you know that you can't spear them? >> No. >> Okay. What What rules do you know about snook? >> Uh Okay. Do you believe that they're in season? And the lobster? Did you have a measuring device for the lobster? >> No, I just >> You just saw it and wanted it. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> In addition, the suspect wasn't an American citizen. Due to his multiple misdemeanor offenses and having no ID, he would have to be taken to jail. The man was clearly disappointed, but he should have thought about that before breaking the law. But you just told me that you're not a US citizen as a passport. [music] Correct. >> Uh not a US citizen, but I mean >> is it an I a Florida card or is it a passport? >> Passport. >> Okay. But it's not a US passport. Okay. You see what I'm getting at now? >> Immigration status. >> So So no, no, no, it's not immigration status. It's the fact that I don't have an ID for you, a US citizen ID for you. So, I have no way of confirming that you truly are tied to the city of Fort Pierce or to St. Lucy County. So, I can't give you a notice to appear. [music] I have to take you to jail. You can call your wife. We'll get your cell phone. You have a cell phone? >> Yes, you can. >> Well, make sure you get your cell phone so you can call your wife and then when you get to jail, you can bond out. What >> can you do? Like I can call my wife and she can come here. Like I live with >> She can't take you. No. No. At this time, you're being arrested for undersized snook. speared snook. So, it's undersized. It's a legal method of take. You have an undersized lobster as well. And you also weren't listening to me when I told you not to touch anything and you were trying to get rid of it. >> The officer loaded the man into the back of her squad car. The only thing left to do now was take the man to jail to be further processed. The officer was a woman of her word, though, because first off, she made a call to the man's wife. >> All right, Roxan. The reason why uh I'm talking to you right now is that your husband um do you want to confirm his name for me? >> Okay. He was found in possession of an undersized snook. The snook was speared and he's also found in possession of an undersized lobster. He'll be booked and processed in St. Lucy County Jail and he'll be set out for bond. If he's able to make the bond, he could uh be released possibly today. >> Before taking the man to jail, the officer talked to his accomplice. Unless they both wanted to get in trouble again, they'd have to learn the regulations for spear fishing. >> All right, so the size limit that a snook has to be is 28 to 32 in. It also cannot be speared. They're very protected. Lobsters protected as well. They got to be a specific size limit. I also see it. He says that he did it with his knife, but there is a a good hole right here. And if I were to go ahead and measure it, the carropus of a lobster starts there and has to go right here. >> Way too small, right? >> Yeah. >> All right. They got tighter. Lean forward. >> Okay. Well, handcuffs aren't meant to be comfortable, and there's plenty of space inside them. Don't lean on them, then. >> They charged the man with multiple offenses for taking snook and lobster using illegal methods. He was also charged for having undersized specimens of each. In Florida, the fines and fees for infractions like this can range from 2500 to $5,000. On the 12th of December 2024 in Florida, a wildlife conservation officer was approached by several fishermen saying a man was spear fishing without a dive flag. The officer saw the man put his spear gun back in the van and he then took a large cooler from it and went back to the water where he pulled a rope out with three fish on it. >> I see the stringer of fish. Bring him back here right now. If I have to get in this water, you're going to jail. >> Yeah. >> Bring me the snook right now. If I get in this water, you're going to jail. Bring me the snook. >> No. >> Bring me the snook right now. >> If I'm telling you, if I get in this water, you're going to jail. >> Totally. >> Nope. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Bring me the snook right now or you're going to jail. You got two seconds. >> Bring me all the fish I see in multiple. Bring them all right now. >> If I go over there, that's it. Get over here right now with the fish. Get over here right now with the fish. Bring them. That's it. Now the other ones, too. Grab that fish. The suspect here was in serious trouble. You could hear from the officer's tone that he wasn't messing around. He'd given the man multiple warnings to bring the fish back to shore immediately, but the man was dragging his heels, which made the cops suspect that he was hiding the real extent of his crime. >> Go get the other fish. Come on, >> Tony. >> Get them all right now. >> Got it. >> All of them. Let's go. You made me get in the water. You're going to jail. Come on. >> No. But a Y. >> No. Better. Nothing. Go. >> Go. >> Go. >> Nothing. No. Go. Br. Put the fish up there on the thing right now. It appeared the suspect was having a hard time following the cop's orders. He might have just been stubborn on purpose, or perhaps he might not understand English that well. The only thing for certain was the cop didn't care either way. >> Hey, I just had to get in the water. This guy was trying to throw three snooks on me. >> No. GRAB THE FISH RIGHT NOW. PUT THEM UP HERE. >> I'M NOT PLAYING AROUND. Put them in the cooler. >> Go. All of them in the cooler. Put that one in there right now. >> I'm going to I might need some. >> Sorry. Put them in here. I'm I'm in the water right now. All right. All right. Bye. Put it up there right now. >> The cop and the suspect climbed back to shore. Considering the size of the man's hall, he'd have a lot of explaining to do. And no matter what the man said, the officer definitely was not going to take it easy on him. >> Come on. No, no, no, no. >> Let me see your license. >> Yeah. Why' you try to hide the fish? >> Why'd you try to throw the piscato? >> Come on. You were trying to hide the piscatos. I seen you have them all in the cooler and then you seen me and then you went back and tried to hide them. your license. Yeah. Driver's license here. >> Don't touch those fish. >> No. >> The cop called dispatch to run the suspect's license. At that point, he was trying to justify his actions to the officer through a translator, but it wasn't going to do the man any good. The officer knew what the man was up to, and after letting him change his clothes, that's when the cuffs came out. All right. Shut your truck. >> My phone. >> My phone. >> Shut this for now. Your phone later. We'll be back to your truck. We're going to walk up to my truck. Where's your keys? >> What? >> Huh? >> Right here. >> Yeah. >> My huh? >> Oh, your wallet. >> Yeah. >> You want your wallet >> to go to jail? >> Paper. >> What paper? >> What you want? >> What? >> This? See, you need You need this to go to jail with you. You're going to jail. >> No. No. No. >> Yeah. You're going to jail. You don't need this. You I have your license already. This >> I told you not to hide the fish >> and then you hid the fish on me. >> Don't understand. >> No, you did understand cuz that's why you hid the fish. >> They charged the man with resisting arrest without violence and obstruction of an FWC officer. He was also accused of harvesting snook with prohibited gear because in Florida you can only catch snook with a hook and line. Lastly, he was charged with possession of three undersized snooks and for going over the bag limit. On the 9th of September 2024 in Florida, a fish and wildlife officer was patrolling the Western [ __ ] Ecological Reserve. He was in an unmarked vessel dressed in plain clothes. The area he was in was a protected marine sanctuary. As the officer patrolled the area, he saw some people collecting marine life and approached to conduct an inspection. >> What are you doing? >> All right, investigate away Florida Fish and Wildlife. Going to come alongside do a boating safety and marine fisheries inspection. >> You shoot anything? Have any luck? >> Yeah, it's mangrove and a grunt. And then we got a little bit of lobster. >> All right. All right. Let's see some fish. >> Let's see them. >> You want to see any safety gear? Well, the way I work is is >> you see that it says fish and wildlife and all that stuff. It doesn't say life jacket police. So, I do care about your life jackets and we are going to get to that. >> Well, like I said, if you limit it out on lobster and you got a mangrove snapper and you've [music] got fish and you've got guns and you've got crusty long blades and you got all this stuff, you think the first thing I'm going to ask for is a life jacket. >> The officer identified the people on board and started reviewing their fishing licenses, which were all up to date. And while they did have their fishing licenses, there was a serious shock coming when they found out where they were fishing. >> So, I guess what I'll do is is cut to the chase. You guys are from Tampa, you said? >> Yeah. >> Well, guess what? >> What? >> You're inside of Western Sambo's ecological reserve. You've ever heard of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary? >> Yes. >> All right. Well, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary goes from Keargo to the Dry Tortugas and everywhere in between. And within that area, they have specially protected areas and ecological reserves. Right? So you are smack dab in the middle of Western Sambo's ecological reserve. There is no fishing, no taking, no hunting, no taking of lobsters or anything. >> Wait, really? I thought I read all the I went on MWC's site and looked at all the ecological far. >> So what we're going to do is usually I I I cut to the chase a little later. >> Yeah. Um, but I'm going to tell you that right now because obviously I'm going to have to take everything. We're going to go through education. I'm going to answer every one of your questions. I promise. All right. But I'm going to take care of business at hand. All right. [screaming] >> Ouch. Nobody wants to hear news like that. Whether or not they knew they were in an ecological zone, they were still in for a rude awakening. After confiscating their catch, the officer then filled them in on the law. >> All right. So, I try and keep up with the times. So, everybody has that thing on their phone called Fish Rules. Have you heard of that app? >> Uh, I have FWC app. >> All right. Fish Rules is um a really cool app where it tells you the size, the season, the bag limit, you know, all that good stuff. Edibility, you know, um for anybody and everybody. It's uh if you want to go on your app store, you can. It's called fish rules. You don't have to, but um if you do have your location services on, right, it'll say, "Hey, lobster season is open. Minimum daily bag six per person per harvester." [music] But in big red bold letters, it says, "Warning, you're in a closed area." Judging by the size of their catch, they were all going to be in substantial trouble. They had roughly 20 lobsters along with a few fish, plus various other species. That being said, the officer had to document all of it. Don't need to measure these. >> Oh, we thought we were having a great day. >> Well, that's kind of what I wanted to bring up. And I'm not trying to be sarcastic. I'm not trying to be adversarial, but usually that's a sign is if we're the beginning of lobster season and you look around and you don't see one commercial trap. Not one >> anywhere till the eye can see on the horizon. >> Yeah. >> Not one commercial trap. But when you dive down, it's loaded. [music] That's a hint. You could tell the group was devastated because nothing puts a stop to a good day, of course, quicker than the cops showing up and informing you that you've unknowingly broken the law. 23 >> count. >> Yep, that's 25. After putting away their illegal catch, the officer informed the group about their charges. And considering what they'd done, they were lucky the cop was in a good mood. >> So, check it out. This is what we're going to do. Obviously, these are all criminal violations. Um, what I'm going to do is issue some notice to appear citations, okay, to the gentleman that were in the water and the captain. Okay? Okay. I'm going to give you warnings to the women. Okay. Um I'm not going to seize your spear gun. Okay. Not going to speech uh um seize any of your gear, the craft sees and all that good stuff. But normally that's what we do. All right. >> I appreciate that. >> But um you get to come back to Key West instead of for vacationing. It's going to be a court date. Okay. So um let me do my best [music] with the computer answering any questions at the same time. I'll be as quick as possible. The officer then filled the lobster cooler with fresh sea water so he could keep them alive before releasing them later. He then got to work processing tickets and court summons while answering questions at the same time. >> When I read about the first before we came down, I thought it said there would be the yellow buoys. >> They said there are I mean like I said, you got to be cognizant of of what side of the line of the yellow buoys there are. >> Okay. >> I thought I was looking for like the ones at like blue key that are like far in an area or something. I didn't realize >> that's because it's so small. This place is massive. Yep. >> As far as lobster out back, >> is that like all the way >> kind of >> past like 1050? >> Yeah, that's open. Like I said, the reserve, as long as you're on the other side of the yellow buoys, which is about a mile and a half that way. >> And as long as you're on the other side of the buoys that way, >> 2 and 1/2 miles, you're outside the box. >> Oh, >> yeah. While they were over the lobster limit, the officer decided to take it easy on them and give them a warning instead of a charge. If you're ever in the same situation as these guys, make sure to stay polite and cooperative, and the cops might take it easy on you. >> Are you going to let the lobster go, though? >> Yeah, I have to. >> I just want them to go back before they die. >> Oh, no. They're they're very hearty. >> Yeah, I know. >> Do you know how they get sent to China? >> No, I don't. in like a um like a mesh of like uh like wet netting >> really. >> They go on an airplane, not in a live well. >> Yeah, >> they just got to stay wet then. >> I mean, and that's that's just to kind of help them when they >> secrete their stuff, but um yeah. All right, that is defendant copy. I've got both you. So, >> Tyler Just hold on to that. >> What that have basically is is all of your [music] information at the top, the vessel information, the state statute that says you can't do what you did, and it's got that court date at the very bottom that says I promise to appear. >> While the officer waited for the ticket to print, he boarded the group's vessel and helped them use their navigation device so they'd know where they could fish in the area and where they couldn't. >> Oh, there's your blue line right here. All the way out. Goes all the way out to the reef. Wow. >> Maybe too much, but yeah. Box, you're in [music] the box. >> So, here is good and down here is good. >> Anywhere to the east, I'm sorry, to the west of this line. >> Yes. >> Right. And to the east of this line. >> Now, >> just because I absolutely do not want this to happen again. >> The only ones that other than this one that you have to worry about in the uh the [music] lower keys is Rock Key, Sand Key, and Eastern Dry Rocks. And those are the ones that are on the reef line. >> I looked at the what is it? Great heron or something. That's a national wildlife refuge. >> So back there we can take off. >> Yeah. As long as there's no ecological reserve protected area, specially protected area. Loo key. >> But yeah, back there that's >> that's where it's been hit hard by >> people. >> Everybody. >> The officer then gave the men their tickets and court summons. And with that out of the way, there was only one thing left to do. Release all the lobsters and send everyone on their way. And while the fish were all dead, the fishermen wouldn't be getting them either. So, those um fish are going to be given to the uh sharks and the lobsters return to the resource. Any other questions for me? You guys got your driver's license. You guys got your registration. Go catch some more. Day's not over. I've let you keep your gear. >> Thank you. >> All right. I hope we don't see you again. >> Sorry to have ruined your day, but please know where this area is. Do you guys hunt? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. You guys got wildlife management areas and private lands and whatnot. Yep. >> And when you hear about a tourist or some out oftowner coming in, this is your job, right? >> Yeah. >> You're like, "Who's coming into my backyard shooting a deer out of season?" >> Yeah. >> Same thing. >> Well, I apologize for that. >> All right, guys. Let me undo you here. All right, guys. Safe. >> The two men involved, Tyler and Garrett, were both charged with possessing or harvesting marine life inside an ecological reserve. Everyone else on the vessel got warnings including failing to display a die flag correctly, improper display of vessel registration, and exceeding the spiny lobster limit. On June the 4th, 2025, the cops got a call about some teenagers who were illegally fishing at a marina. When the officers arrived, one of the kids was on dry land while his friend was standing in the water still fishing. >> You get that one. Work him. Do you need anything else for me? >> Put that down. You're not done. You are paying. So I see you. So you are not free to [music] go. >> Okay. >> You run, you'll be paid. >> I'm not get another card. >> So you get out of the water right now. >> If you don't put that down, I'm taking you to jail. Just so you know that. >> I already gave you instructions to get out of the water and and cut this down. I said it twice. I fell. >> The cop ordered one of the suspects, Will, out of the water, but that was the last thing he wanted given that it looked like he had a serious catch on his line. However, he eventually came to his senses, then cut his fishing line and climbed out. >> I'm not. >> I'm not I'm not going to run off. Officer, we're not display. Do you have any weapons? Any knives or anything like that on you? >> There's a knife in my >> I'm not asking. Stop. >> Come on. >> No, sir. >> Come on. You good? >> All right. Let me see your pockets. Got nothing in it. No. Respect your bag. That's his back. All right. You got your ID in that bag? Yes, sir. Good deal. >> Sit over here. >> Just listen to my sit there. >> You start running. I'll get away from you. >> He will be faced. You could tell from the officer's tone that he meant business. [music] If either one of these teenagers decided to run from him, undoubtedly they'd be pulling taser barbs out of their backs later on. While Will looked for his ID, another officer talked to his friend Tyler. >> So, you're from Georgia? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Listen, CityQ West has different rules when it comes [music] to fishing. All right. Cuz I can see the sign that says no swimming and no fishing. All right. Not listening to lawful commands from a police officer is an issue. I told him to get out of the water multiple times. >> You're not talking about me, correct? >> No, I'm I'm I'm forming you because you're you're the one giving us information back. All right. >> I was just Yes, sir. >> So, I'm giving you information so you know what's going on. >> All right. So, >> told him to get out multiple times. He's detained right now. That does not mean he's arrested, but he is detained. That's why he has cuffs on. >> Just like you're in police. He's in our He's in our custody, but that doesn't mean he he may or may not. >> Okay. Depending on how this situation >> goes. Yes, sir. >> Okay. >> Although Will found an ID and gave it to the officers, Tyler said that he didn't have his ID with him. Instead, he told the cops his name so they could run it through the system. >> So, this gentleman that works for the city told you not to get get out of the water, correct? We're not the fish here. Correct. >> We're out of the water. We're right next to right here. and they're like, "Oh, we're going to jump in the water." You can't do anything about that. >> We just We It's I understand why that isn't good, but he hooked into the biggest [ __ ] of his life. And I understand I understand it's not an excuse to not listen to an uh an authorative figure. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, let's fast forward when I arrived. >> Yes, sir. >> I am a police officer. >> Yes, sir. >> Right. >> Yes, sir. >> You can see my badge. You can see my taser. You can see my gun. >> Yeah. >> It it hand on hand. Right. There's my vehicle. >> I told you guys to get out. You actually got out. You stayed in cuz you got the fish, >> right? >> I get it, right? You have a big fish on your >> You probably never caught a fish like that before, right? >> You do. Most people wait their whole life. >> So, this is what I need you to do. I need you to stop talking when I'm talking to him. >> Okay. >> You keep interrupting and that bugs me. >> They weren't out of the woods yet. And the cops were less than impressed with their antics. If they were hoping to catch a break from the cops, they'd have to play their cards right. >> You I know you heard me get out. I didn't just say it once. I said it twice. And then my colleague comes. I get you have this fish, right? When it comes to the fishing laws, that's FWC. That's why we enroed them to come here. So, I don't even know if you're allowed to even have it on at one of these places. [snorts] I don't know. But not listening to a lawful command from a police officer is an issue. Okay. You could have told him to hold on to the pole while you climbed up and got out of the water. >> So I could have caught it from up here. >> You could have for a little bit. >> I thought being in the water would be like >> being in the water isn't your saving grace. That's actually what's getting you guys more in trouble. >> Really? >> You can't go in the water, right? this area, this whole area, even that even those docks over there. >> They apologized for breaking the rules at the marina, but in defending themselves, they said they weren't from there and didn't know they'd broken the law. It was a convenient excuse, but it wasn't going to get them out of trouble. Furthermore, a marina worker, the one who'd called police initially, had captured all their behavior on film. And on top of that, he clearly told the teenagers that they had no business being there. >> I don't think the police going to get in the water, bro. better off calling Coast Guard. >> Do you own the water? >> Do you? >> Yeah, >> he doesn't know anything. >> High school drop. >> I mean, Kanye, I mean, look at your other security guard, dude. Speak English. >> It's just courtesy, man. It's a marina. People come here and charter. You guys were fighting that fish all the way in that channel over there. You know how many tarter boats come in and out of that channel? It's just courtesy. Don't fish in a marina. I mean, you guys should know that fish. >> Were y'all out at Mallerie Square a couple days ago or no? >> I mean, we stayed just fishing in the area like >> we just been trying earlier. >> Okay. They could say they didn't know the rules all they wanted. But based on the security guard's phone footage, they were aware of the rules there. They just didn't care. start small. How long are you fighting? What about like >> the other one? [laughter] Before they were both taken to jail, the cops reached out to Will's parents by phone. They wanted the parents to come down there and pick their bikes and fishing rods up as they couldn't be taken to jail. >> Whatever you >> Who's getting arrested? Who's getting arrested? >> Tyler and William. >> And what are they what are they getting arrested for? >> James, why are they getting arrested? The parents are asking. >> Hello. She's pressing charges of trespassing. >> Trespassing after warning. They were told to leave the marina where they were fishing by one of our city officials and they refused multiple times. >> Okay. I'm going to write down where you're saying the stuff is at. Can you just repeat that please for me? >> We're at Garrison Bite Marina. >> Can I ask you a question? We we are reserved parents. Is it if we come to pick them up right now? Is there a way that you could release them for us? >> No, because they are both 19 and they are adults. >> Okay. We're we're a first responder family. Is there a possible way you can allow us to take them back here and we'll meet you guys right there without getting arrested? >> No, they're already going to jail. They're on their way to the jail right now. >> Ultimately, both were charged with trespass after warning. On the 17th of January 2025 in Florida, fish and wildlife officers were on patrol and spotted a fishing boat speeding in a no wakeake zone. >> Hey guys, we're going to come up beside you. Okay. >> Okay. >> You know why we're talking to you right now? >> That's correct. >> Hang tight there for a second. >> Appreciate it. All right, guys. >> All right. So, I'm about to move to FWC. The reason we stopped you is because it's a idle speed zone all the way through here, right? >> You guys were on plane, correct? Right. >> All right. Is it your boat, sir? >> Yes. >> Do you have your license and registration for the vessel? Did you guys catch anything? >> No, we just >> any guns or anything in there? >> No. >> Those are not. All right, sir. I'm going to strike your cruise real quick and we're going to give you a warning for this. Okay. As long as you have two life jackets on board. You want to pop this open for me? It's up. >> Yep. Cool. >> Cooler. >> Yeah. >> Nothing. Wow. Anything in that one up there? Want to show it to me? >> Nothing either. >> So, the men told the cops that they hadn't caught any fish, and a preliminary search of the boat turned up nothing. However, once the cops dug a little deeper, they found something that shouldn't have been there. >> What's that? >> Looks like fish to me, buddy. >> [laughter] >> So when I asked if there was fish on board, what'd you tell me? >> Yeah, you did. See here? You see the issue here? >> You're way over. You're under. >> The suspects were going to be in serious trouble. Not only were they caught red-handed exceeding the bag limit and with undersized fish, but in addition, they directly lied to the cops. >> Like three mism so far. >> Oh, don't forget interference. >> I'm going to check the rest of the boat. Fishing license. I'm going to check those. Sir, I'm going to need to see your ID as well. >> You got my ID. >> I got yours. I'm talking about the other gentleman. >> Am I going to find anything else on this boat that's illegal or should not be on here? I'm >> not going to find anything else on this boat. >> No, I never >> [laughter] >> It was a good little hall of fish that they'd illegally taken out of the water. And unfortunately for them, it was going to cost them dearly. Next, the officer began sizing up the fish, measuring each from head to tail. >> Have either of you guys got in trouble with FWC before? >> No. >> No. [music] >> We got I mean, [snorts] >> a good what? >> A bill of health. I mean, no problem, no trouble, no you know, >> until now. >> Until now. You haven't been caught before. That's >> right. Well, no, I just mean, you know, record. >> Yeah. [laughter] record. Well, now you're going to have a record. >> Yeah, now you're gonna have one. There's one thing we don't tolerate. If you wouldn't straight with me short ones, probably wouldn't have been that big of a deal. The fact that you lied and then you try to cover it up in front of me over there. Now we have an issue. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Now I'm hitting you. Now I'm hitting you with everything. >> Well, >> I could take you to jail right now. >> I understand. >> And it's a bad example to set. [music] >> You're right. You're right. >> The officers were right. Not only were the men in serious trouble, [music] but lying to the cops in front of a child is something no one should be proud of. You could tell they were ashamed of their actions, and rightfully so. >> All right, so the citations you guys are going to get, they're all going to be for court appearances. Okay, we'll set [music] the same court date on them. She's going to tentatively set a court date within about 30 days. All right? Uh you'll get notifications [music] probably about a week about it. If you don't, there's going to be a phone number at the bottom of the citation for you to call. Okay? Uh, if you do not show up to court, warrants going to be issued for your arrest. Okay. All right. So, the citations you're going to be getting, first one is going to be interference with an FWC officer. All right. >> Okay. >> It's because you guys lied. All right. Uh, next one's going to be for undersiz uh sea trout and then over the bag limit. What else? Anything else? >> No, those. And then you'll be receiving civil citations, uh, which are just uniform voting citations for blowing the slow speed zone, not having the registration on board, and then improper display of your registration numbers. >> All right. >> Improper. >> Improper display. You're supposed to have a 2-in spacing between the end of FL, the start of the numbers, the end of your numbers, [music] then your last two letters. >> Never was. >> It's listed on your registration. >> Oh, okay. >> Y. The officer told the man that under different circumstances, they would have let the men off with just a warning. But because they lied to them, they were literally going to hit the men with everything in the book. >> That's what you're talking about. >> Yep. So that's required to be out and on deck. >> Whether that gets written or not, it's going to be up to Officer Booth. >> Do you have a child size jacket? >> Yeah. Can I see that please? >> 7420 103 28 >> How much you weigh buddy? about >> 60 lbs. Okay. >> All right. So, that's not the correct size. [snorts] >> 30 to 50 lbs. >> Ouch. As far as these guys went, the cops were definitely trying to make an example of them. Undoubtedly, next time they think twice about fishing illegally and lying to police. >> What is the uh bag limit on traffic? >> Three. >> Seriously? >> Seriously, they change frequently. >> No, they don't. >> Do you have a cell phone? >> Yeah, I do. >> Is it connected to the internet? >> Yeah. >> That'd be a really good thing for you to look up right now. >> So, also pretty much every marina you can get a little pamphlet for fish rules, right? You can look online. There's like multiple applications for it. >> So, I'm giving you a citation for blowing the speed zone, right? So, it's $140 citation there. Um, I'm also charging for over the bag limit, undersized, and I did the same for you as well. And I charge you both for interference. Okay. Do we have any questions about that? >> All right. Okay. So, I have to have you um sign each of these copies of >> what is the what's going to be the fine draft or >> they'll set up a court date and the judge will decide that part. >> It will have to go to court. >> Yes. Yeah. They'll contact you like um at the number at the bottom. Paul will set up a court date with them and then uh just make sure you do that and I'll do it this week. Okay. >> Okay. >> The men signed their tickets agreeing to be in court when it was their time to do so. And even though they weren't going to have one, the officers wished them a good day and went about their business. >> Well, I hope you guys have a better day. >> Did I get a copy? >> Yep. They're all in there. All your guys' copies are in there. Okay. >> And make sure you call that number on the bottom to set up your court date. Okay. >> Well, we'll probably have to call first thing Monday morning. >> Yep. I'll call in to tell them what happened. They might say call back in a couple days cuz I have to mail those out. So, [music] all right. Any questions before we pull away? >> All right, >> have a good one, guys. >> The driver of the boat was cited for speeding in a no wake zone, and both men were charged with undersized trout, being over the bag limit, and interfering with a fish and wildlife officer. The harder they pretend that they didn't know the rules, the more clear it became that they were breaking them. The more the officers piece things together, the more they smelled something fishy, pun intended. If you haven't subscribed to the channel yet, make sure you do so. And we'll see you next time.