Five individuals apprehended in South Florida for the illicit slaying of alligators, orders for Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold placed
Headline: Multi-Agency Arrest Operation in Okeechobee County for Illegal Alligator Capture
In a significant wildlife enforcement operation, five individuals were arrested on August 16, 2021, in Okeechobee County, Florida, following an illegal alligator capture. The incident unfolded in the Viking area, after a routine wildlife call led to the discovery.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer, in response to a request from the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office, was dispatched to investigate an illegally captured alligator in the Viking area. Upon arrival, the officer found an alligator still attached to a steel set line in a canal. A truck carrying five people arrived at the scene and attempted to leave, but was stopped by the FWC officer.
The truck contained a shot alligator in the truck bed, still tethered to the steel line. The FWC arrested all five occupants of the truck and charged them with multiple violations related to the unlawful take of the alligator. Only one person was able to provide valid identification among the suspects.
The arrested individuals had immigration detainers for most of the crew. The other four suspects were issued immigration detainers by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The names of the five suspects are not publicly disclosed.
The public is encouraged to report such violations to the FWC. The phone number to report wildlife violations is 888-404-FWCC (3922). Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Wildlife Alert Program. Rewards of up to $1,000 may be available for information leading to arrests or citations.
The FWC reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on wildlife crimes. The public can stay updated with local news by signing up for the newsletter or subscribing to the YouTube channel for the latest stories and videos.
The arrest operation involved the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office. A photo of the dead alligator was provided by the FWC after it was found. The five suspects were taken to the Okeechobee County Jail.
The public is reminded to report any suspected wildlife violations to ensure the protection of Florida's diverse wildlife.
