Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Apprehends Suspects for Undersized Grouper, Drug Paraphernalia and Resisting Arrest
MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office reported two separate arrests on Saturday in connection with wildlife violations. The incidents, which occurred in the Middle Keys and off Islamorada, resulted in charges for possession of undersized fish, drug paraphernalia, and resisting arrest.
In the first case, Marine Deputy Luis Guiardinu was on patrol near Mile Marker 61.5 at approximately 10:16 a.m. when he saw Lazaro Soto Martinez, 47, of Homestead, Florida, fishing. A subsequent inspection of his catch revealed Soto Martinez was in possession of two undersized black grouper, a violation of state fishing regulations.
READ: Oldsmar Man Jailed For Spearing And Hiding Undersized Lobsters In The Florida Keys
The situation escalated when Deputy Guiardinu also discovered a glass pipe in Soto Martinez’s possession. The pipe field-tested positive for methamphetamine. Soto Martinez was subsequently charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of two undersized black grouper, and possession of over-the-limit black grouper. He was taken to the Monroe County Jail.
Later that afternoon, at approximately 3:55 p.m., Marine Deputy Nelson Sanchez was on patrol off Mile Marker 80 oceanside near Islamorada. Deputy Sanchez found Maurice Delmonte Young, 55, of Lauderhill, Florida, actively molesting a lobster trap approximately 1.5 miles offshore.
READ: First Day Of Florida Keys Lobster Mini-Season Marred By Tragedy
Upon being ordered to cease his activities and swim back to his boat, Young refused. He also allegedly dropped a yellow mesh bag containing lobsters. Young was arrested and charged with resisting arrest and refusing lawful orders. He was also taken to jail.
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