Deputy Discovers Cache of Illegal Lobster and Snook, Evidence Tampering During Routine Patrol
A Miami man is behind bars after a Middle Keys Marine Deputy uncovered a litany of serious fishing and boating infractions, including the possession of out-of-season and undersized marine life, near Mile Marker 60.5 this afternoon.
Juan Carlos Garcia-Martinez, 36, of Miami, Florida, was arrested today following an encounter with Deputy Luis Guiardinu of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Guiardinu was on routine patrol at approximately 2:51 p.m. when he observed Garcia-Martinez in the water without a crucial safety device – a diver down flag.
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Further observation by the deputy revealed Garcia-Martinez actively spearing a lobster, a method of capture that is illegal for lobsters in Florida.
Upon investigation, the extent of Garcia-Martinez’s alleged violations became clear. He was found to have nine out-of-season lobsters, eight undersized lobsters, and nine lobster tails that had been illegally separated from their bodies while still in the water – a practice known as “wrung tails in the water.” Additionally, he was cited for possessing more than the daily limit of lobster.
The illegal harvest extended beyond lobster. Garcia-Martinez was also found with speared snook, undersized snook, and snook that were out of season. Compounding these issues, he allegedly lacked a required measuring device to ensure compliance with size regulations and was accused of tampering with evidence.
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In addition to the criminal charges, Garcia-Martinez received citations for failing to display a diver down flag, not possessing a valid saltwater fishing license, lacking a lobster license, and failing to have a snook permit.
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