Law Enforcement Media Resources Hub
Media Contact
Division of Law Enforcement Public Information Coordinator: Ashlee.Sklute@MYFWC.com
NOTE: Get updates by subscribing to the News - Law Enforcement email list (under the "Law Enforcement" category).
Resource Related News
On Feb. 26, 2025, following a yearlong investigation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers arrested Jorge L. Alfonso (DOB 05/26/1987) of Homestead on charges related to the illegal sale and trade of species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Poachers use elaborate traps, often suspended in trees or hidden in tall grasses, to capture these birds, which are then illegally sold — sometimes to unsuspecting buyers. These actions violate federal law, which protects migratory birds from unlawful capture, trade and harm.
“We are proud of our officers' dedication in bringing this investigation to completion and shutting down another operation in the illegal bird trade,” said FWC Maj. Alberto Maza, South B Regional Commander. “We are especially grateful that all the birds were safely released back into their natural habitat. It’s important for the public to know that possessing a migratory songbird is illegal. If you see or have knowledge of someone trapping or selling these birds, please report it.”
In total, 57 migratory birds — including painted and indigo buntings, rose-breasted grosbeaks and cardinals — were rescued and released back into the wild. Officers also seized an aviary and 11 cages.
The public can report suspected wildlife violations by calling FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or texting 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” and details of the violation.
See photos related to this case.
See the video about this case.
On Feb. 11, the State Attorney’s Office sentenced Abilio Aiken Medina, 32, of Davenport, for multiple charges, including a felony for animal cruelty, following his 2023 arrest by FWC captive wildlife investigators.
On Nov. 22, 2023, FWC Investigators responded to a complaint from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office regarding reptiles being kept in unsanitary conditions. During the inspection, investigators discovered a room with multiple reptile enclosures containing dirty or no water and, in some cases, malnourished or deceased animals.
Among the neglected animals found:
- A deceased, dehydrated ball python in its own excrement.
- Several bearded dragons, boa constrictors, pythons and other reptiles with contaminated or no water.
- A malnourished spiny-tailed iguana and two tortoises without water.
- A rose-haired tarantula with no water.
All animals were released to the FWC and placed in a permitted rescue facility and charges were referred to the State Attorney’s Office.
“I have no doubt that justice for these animals was achieved thanks to our investigators' diligence,” said Maj. John Wilke, FWC Captive Wildlife Section Leader. “We appreciate the State Attorney’s Office for recognizing the importance of responsible captive wildlife ownership.”
The FWC takes wildlife violations very seriously and encourages the public to report them by downloading the FWC Wildlife Alert app, texting 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” and information about the violation, calling the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or submitting a tip online at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
FWC Officer George Reynaud responded to reports of a person at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park throwing rocks at a federally protected great white heron. The investigation revealed the individual was fishing and became angry when the bird ate his bait. In a cruel act, he threw rocks at the heron, severely injuring it. The subject admitted to the crime and was arrested and taken to jail. The injured heron is in the care of Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, where experts are working to rehabilitate it. Learn more and report fish, wildlife and boating violations at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
See the video about this case.
On Feb. 27, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers, assisted by Lantana and Malapan police officers, worked to rescue and release a 14-foot smalltooth sawfish trapped in a net secured to a bridge. Acting quickly, they carefully freed the sawfish, collected a sample for Fish and Wildlife Research biologists and released the animal back into the water unharmed – all within minutes. There is no evidence to suggest this sawfish exhibited abnormal (spinning) behavior as was seen in the Keys last year.
The smalltooth sawfish population has been reduced to a small section of Florida’s southern coast and has been federally listed as endangered; their core range in the U.S. used to extend from North Carolina to Texas.
“Every specimen of this endangered species is vital to its genetic diversity, said Maj. Mike Davis, South A Regional Commander. “I am grateful our officers were able to return this one to its habitat safely.”
Please report sawfish sightings by email or telephone:
- Sawfish@MyFWC.com
- 844-472-9347(1-844-4SAWFISH)
For More Information
- See the sawfish rescue and release video.
- Read the news alert.
- Learn more about sawfish.
- Visit Wildlife Alert to learn how to report wildlife in distress or wildlife, fishing and boating violations.
FWC Officer Catches Fishing Violations in Big Cypress
While patrolling I-75 in Big Cypress, FWC Officer Chase Pruett observed an adult and two youths exiting a hole in a fence, carrying fishing rods and a stringer loaded with various bass species.
Upon conducting a resource inspection, Officer Pruett discovered the group possessed 20 Florida bass—exceeding the legal bag limit by five, including two fish over the 16-inch size limit. Additionally, they had 25 butterfly peacock bass, surpassing the bag limit by 19.
The adult was issued a notice to appear for the violations. FWC reminds anglers to familiarize themselves with fishing regulations to ensure the sustainability of the resource.
Public Safety Success Stories
The North American Wildlife Law Enforcement Accreditation Program assessment team has recommended that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement become the first agency in the U.S. to receive accreditation. The NAWLEA board will vote in March and, if approved, the FWC would be the first agency in the U.S. to be accredited through the NAWLEA program.
Read more about this accreditation achievement.
