FWC Division of Law Enforcement South "B" Region
South Region B
The South “B” Region is a busy area that includes Broward and Monroe counties as well as Miami-Dade, the most populous county in Florida and the seventh most populous county in the United States. The region also includes Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park and the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves. Major recreational opportunities throughout the region focus on fresh and saltwater fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, spearfishing and many types of boating. Commercial fishing, including spiny lobster and the stone crab harvest, are big business in the area as are charter boat operations.
News and Updates
On June 25, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) investigators arrested Guy R. Erdman, 61, of Oakland Park, in Monroe County. He is charged with one felony count of boating under the influence (BUI) manslaughter and six misdemeanors related to the death of Sydney A. Cole, 24, of North Carolina.
On Dec. 27, Erdman was operating a 21-foot center console vessel with three passengers. The vessel was traveling through Buttonwood Sound when Erdman collided with an anchored sailboat, ejecting all four occupants. Good Samaritans recovered Erdman and the two other passengers. After a multi-agency search, Ms. Cole was later found in the water deceased. FWC’s investigation revealed that Erdman was consuming alcohol less than an hour before the collision, and toxicology results confirmed that Erdman’s blood alcohol content was nearly twice the legal limit at the time of the incident.
“This devastating and avoidable loss of a young life underscores the dangers of boating under the influence,” said Major Alberto Maza, FWC South Bravo Regional Commander. “If you choose to boat impaired, we will hold you accountable.”
The FWC makes boating safety enforcement a top priority. The public is encouraged to report dangerous boating activity by calling the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922).
Media Contacts
On June 20, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) investigators arrested Reinaldo Aquit, 48, of Miami Beach on a warrant for nine charges, including a felony charge of vessel homicide and eight misdemeanors. These charges stem from the November 2024 crash, which resulted in the death of Stephanie Rodriguez, 28, of Hialeah.
On Nov. 7, 2024, Aquit was the operator of a 39’ speed boat with seven passengers on board traveling from Miami to Key West as part of a Poker Run event. Aquit was driving carelessly, traveling at high rates of speed and disregarding navigational rules. While within Calda Channel, a narrow channel north of Key West, Aquit took a sharp turn, causing his vessel to roll and ejecting six passengers. Sadly, Ms. Rodriguez died as a result of the injuries she sustained in this incident.
“The tragic death of this young woman was completely avoidable,” said Major Alberto Maza, South Bravo Regional Commander. “We continue to think of Ms. Rodriguez’s friends and family as they grieve her loss.”
On June 10, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers contacted three individuals while conducting fisheries inspections in Broward County.
The inspection revealed the three individuals to be in possession of 13 blue crabs, all of which were egg-bearing. The harvest of egg-bearing blue crabs is prohibited in Florida. In addition, none of the three individuals had fishing licenses. As the officers continued their inspection, only one individual could provide positive identification. The other two individuals presented identification from Guatemala and Nicaragua.
The officers contacted a U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agent who took the two noncitizens into custody after an investigation revealed they were in the country illegally. All three were issued criminal and civil citations for the fishing violations. The illegally harvested blue crabs were returned to the resource alive.
For more information about the FWC’s role in protecting Florida’s fish and wildlife, visit MyFWC.com.
On June 9, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers arrested a Broward County man on several charges. Juan Nealon of Pompano Beach was arrested and charged with seven misdemeanors related to goliath grouper violations and obstruction charges.
FWC officers Willis, Gonzalez, and Giani responded to reports of an individual spearfishing from Pompano Beach. Spearfishing within 100 yards of a public beach is prohibited. The officers observed Nealon in a canoe and tried to contact him from shore. Despite repeated commands to stop, Nealon paddled farther into the ocean to avoid the officers and purposely capsized his vessel in an attempt to hide evidence.
Officer Willis entered the water and recovered a speargun and a goliath grouper weighing over 100 pounds with a spear lodged in its body. The harvest of goliath grouper in Florida is highly regulated; harvest by spearfishing and without a permit is prohibited. Nealon was arrested and transported to jail without incident.
“Protecting the fish and wildlife of Florida is a top priority,” said Major Alberto Maza, South Bravo Regional Commander. “Our officers are dedicated to enforcing the regulations to protect the resource now and in the future.”
The public is encouraged to report potential wildlife violations by calling the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or submitting a tip at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
A Monroe County charter captain seen stabbing a shark multiple times in a viral video was arrested by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers on June 5. Zane P. Garrett of Stock Island was charged with one felony count of animal cruelty.
On May 23, officers received tips through FWC's Wildlife Alert Program about a man repeatedly stabbing a shark on a fishing line before cutting the line and releasing the animal. Through investigation and using video evidence provided by witnesses, FWC officers were able to locate the vessel in Key West and identify Garrett as the charter captain on the day of the incident. FWC investigators spoke with Garrett, who admitted to the act. He was arrested and transported to a local jail.
"The careless cruelty displayed in this video is unacceptable," said Major Alberto Maza, South Bravo Regional Commander. "I'm proud of the public for reporting this senseless act and of our officers' work in identifying the subject and holding him accountable."
The FWC takes wildlife violations very seriously and encourages the public to report them by calling the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or submitting a tip at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
On June 5, Tad R. Norman of Washington State was charged for the unlawful take and possession of wildlife.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), have received multiple reports of butterfly poaching within Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park since 2021. The removal of any wildlife from the park is strictly prohibited. Despite increased patrols and public reports, the only lead in the case had been a vehicle with Washington State license plates.
On June 5, a witness reported seeing a man, later identified as Norman, using a butterfly net near the park and leaving the area in a truck bearing Washington State tags. FWC and USFWS officers quickly responded and located the vehicle. An FWC officer conducted a traffic stop and discovered Norman in possession of ten butterflies, each individually stored in small envelopes. Norman was issued a notice to appear.
"Floridians know our natural resources are our greatest treasure," said Major Alberto Maza, South Bravo Regional Commander. "The poaching of any wildlife will not be tolerated on state lands."
The public is encouraged to report potential wildlife violations by calling the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or submitting a tip at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
On June 5, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at the intersection of SR 84 and SW 125 Avenue in Broward County after the driver failed to maintain a lane and nearly caused an accident.
During the stop, the driver was unable to produce a valid driver’s license and presented a Mexican identification card. The officer contacted U.S. Border Patrol - Miami Sector (USBP), who responded to the scene.
USBP determined the individual had previously been deported and was currently in the United States illegally. USBP took the individual into custody.
FWC issued a criminal Notice to Appear for driving without a license and a citation for failure to maintain a lane.
“This incident reflects FWC’s ongoing commitment to public safety and another great example of effective coordination with our federal partners,” said Major Alberto Maza, FWC Regional Commander.
For more information about the FWC’s role in protecting Florida’s fish and wildlife, visit MyFWC.com.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement and the U.S. Border Patrol - Miami Sector (USBP) conducted a joint fisheries enforcement effort in Broward County in early June as part of Operation Tidal Wave. This collaboration resulted in 11 migrant arrests, more than 150 state misdemeanor charges, 12 state civil charges, and two written warnings.
“This enforcement initiative reflects FWC’s continued commitment to protecting Florida’s natural resources while working closely with federal partners to uphold state and federal laws,” said Major Alberto Maza, FWC Regional Commander.
Notable incidents from June 4 include:
- U.S. 27 North of Stubbs Boat Ramp (First Inspection):
FWC officers inspected three individuals and found they had discarded fish in a manner consistent with the wanton waste of wildlife. None of them possessed a valid fishing license. One presented a passport, while the others provided names and dates of birth, all indicating Guatemalan nationality. USBP was contacted and determined all three were in the U.S. illegally. USBP made arrests, and FWC issued criminal notices to appear for wanton waste and civil citations for fishing without a license. - Stubbs Boat Ramp (Second Inspection):
The same officers conducted an additional inspection of three more individuals. None had a valid fishing license. Two presented Guatemalan identification, and the third provided a fictitious work ID. USBP confirmed all three were unlawfully present in the U.S. and took them into custody. FWC issued citations to all three for fishing without a license.
For more information about the FWC’s role in protecting Florida’s fish and wildlife, visit MyFWC.com.
A wildlife rescue unfolded recently at the Black Point Spillway in Miami-Dade County. A Good Samaritan noticed an osprey struggling in a spiral water current and retrieved the bird.
The waterlogged and exhausted osprey was then brought to FWC Officer Jesse Whitt at the nearby Black Point Ramp by a helpful county mechanic. Officer Whitt dried off the bird and gave it time to rest, supporting it as it regained its strength.
Thanks to the quick response and teamwork, the osprey was soon flapping its wings while Officer Whitt held it until it could successfully fly off again.
Learn more about what to do if you come across wildlife you think may be injured and orphaned.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) proudly announces that Senior Officers Jeremy Foell and Jason Richards have been awarded the 2024 Gulf Council Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award for their outstanding service and dedication to protecting marine resources.
Based in Key West, Officers Foell and Richards operate the offshore patrol vessel Trident, routinely patrolling some of the region's most remote and environmentally sensitive waters. In 2024, the Trident team logged over 334 patrol hours, significantly exceeding annual operational expectations.
Their exceptional enforcement efforts led to several high-profile federal fisheries cases, including:
· The seizure of more than 330 illegally harvested snapper and out-of-season lobster and crab from a commercial vessel operating near Dry Tortugas National Park.
· Critical support of NOAA’s Turtle Excluder Device Operational Plan, identifying six major violations that posed direct threats to sea turtle populations.
· The documentation of illegal fishing activities within protected Ecological Reserves helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of vital reef ecosystems.
The Council’s Team/Officer of the Year award acknowledges service above and beyond duty requirements and recognizes distinguished service, professionalism and dedication to enforcing federal fishing regulations in the Gulf of America. Nominees may be submitted from each of the five Gulf State Law Enforcement agencies, the U.S. Coast Guard and NOAA Fisheries’ Office for Law Enforcement.
Pictured left to right: FWC Marine Fisheries Management Division Director Jessica McCawley; Senior Officer Jeremy Foell; Senior Officer Jason Richards; and FWC MFM Section Leader Dr. C.J. Sweetman.
“We are extremely proud of Officers Foell and Richards for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to conserving Florida’s marine life,” said Col. Brian Smith, Director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. “Their work represents the very best of what it means to serve and protect our natural resources.”
Media Contacts
On March 22, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) arrested three men for several charges related to spiny lobster violations in Monroe County. Michael David Pierce, 72 of Ocala, was charged with two misdemeanors. Raidel Alvarez Perez, 51, of Ocala, and Yonatan Lazaro De Valle Ramirez, 24, of Key West, were each charged with 23 misdemeanors. De Valle Ramirez was also charged with one felony count related to tampering with evidence.
FWC officers were on patrol near Sand Key Lighthouse in Boca Grande when they conducted a resource inspection on a commercial vessel without the correct identification displayed. As the officers approached the vessel, they observed a bucket floating against the stern. Upon inspection, the bucket was found to contain 16 wrung lobster tails, six of which were undersized. After the vessel was docked to continue the inspection, Alvarez Perez and De Valle Ramirez admitted concealing the wrung lobster tails in the bucket. Pierce, the vessel’s captain, was issued a notice to appear for the improper display. The two mates, Alvarez Perez and De Valle Ramirez, were transported to a local jail.
Media Contacts
- Arielle Callender, Arielle.Callender@MyFWC.com
- Ashlee Sklute, Ashlee.Sklute@MyFWC.com
While on patrol in St. Lucie County on March 16, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer observed an individual in possession of a lobster while snorkeling and spearfishing in the mangroves. The officer approached the individual to conduct a resource inspection and instructed him not to discard any items. The individual failed to comply or to provide positive identification. He was found in possession of a speared, undersized lobster and snook.
As a result, the man, later identified as Maynor Vasquez-Villeda (DOB 02/23/1992), was arrested for interference with an FWC officer, possession of undersized snook and lobster, and illegal harvesting methods of snook and lobster. He was transported to the St. Lucie County Jail, where jail staff contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which requested a detainer be placed on the subject.
The FWC takes wildlife violations very seriously and encourages the public to report them by calling the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or submitting a tip online at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
On March 8, during a joint patrol as part of Operation Vigilant Sentry, near Whale Harbor Bridge in Monroe County, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Florida Highway Patrol observed two divers in the water with spearguns and without a visible dive flag.
As officers approached, they spotted a large tarpon struggling in the water nearby. One diver complied with the officers' commands to stop for a resource inspection, while the other ignored them and attempted to swim away. When officers tried to apprehend the fleeing diver, the initially cooperative diver attempted to escape on foot. FWC officers pursued the diver in the water, while FHP officers pursued the diver on land.
FWC officers successfully apprehended the diver in the water, identified as Yosbel Salazar Hernandes (DOB 6/30/84). Unable to locate any records for Hernandes, officers contacted Customs and Border Protection, who took him into custody. The second suspect remains unidentified and is still at large. He was last seen leaving Wahoo’s Seafood Bar and Grill Restaurant in Islamorada heading southbound in a brown Ford F-150 truck.
At the scene, officers recovered two speared tarpon and an undersize speared snook. A warrant has been issued for the violations.
Anyone with information regarding the unidentified suspect is encouraged to call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Media contacts:
- Arielle Callender, Arielle.Callender@MyFWC.com
- Ashlee Sklute, Ashlee.Sklute@MyFWC.com
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 visiting MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
See photos related to this case.
See the video about this case.
For immediate release: March 4, 2025
On March 1, FWC officers responded to a hit-and-run vessel accident in Broward County. Preliminary infomation indicates an adult male was diving at approximately 3:05 p.m., two miles offshore of Ft. Lauderdale Beach, when he was struck by a vessel. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
The striking vessel is described as a white cabin motorboat with a black stripe. It has no outboard motors and is 30 to 40 feet long. It was last seen heading northbound with two occupants on board.
FWC officers are actively investigating this incident; they are asking anyone who witnessed the accident or who may have video footage or information to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Media Contacts
- Media contact: Ashlee Sklute, Ashlee.Sklute@MyFWC.com
- Arielle Callender, Arielle.Callender@MyFWC.com
Community Outreach
For the past two years, Broward County FWC officers, under the leadership of FWC Evidence Custodian Lt. Lindsay McDonald, have been making a meaningful impact at the Flamingo Gardens Wildlife Sanctuary. The team has donated hundreds of pounds of seized deceased aquatic wildlife—fish, shrimp, and lobster—providing essential nourishment for the sanctuary’s animals. This initiative benefits the animals and reduces food waste, reinforcing FWC’s commitment to responsible conservation practices.
“Recently some birds of prey at the sanctuary refused to eat the food offered to them,” said FWC Broward County Capt. Jeffery Hart, “However, when they were served donated snapper, they ate it!”
Each donation is carefully handled, stored, and transported to ensure the highest level of care and safety for the animals. This partnership highlights the power of collaboration in conservation, supporting the welfare of captive wildlife while promoting sustainability and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
See more photos related to this donation effort.
Officers Miguel Despian, Henry Martinez, Ricky Veiga, and Kasia Williams teamed up with the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office, the National Park Service, and the Miami-Dade Division of Environmental Resource Management for a beach cleanup along Elliott Key's oceanside. Their efforts contributed to preserving the natural beauty of Miami-Dade County’s coastal resources. Thank you to all the officers and staff who participated in this important environmental initiative.
Wild in the City Outreach Event in Ft. Lauderdale
FWC officers in Broward County held their inaugural “Wild in the City” community outreach event Feb. 28 at Esplanade Park in Ft. Lauderdale. FWC officers were joined by their partners from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Ft. Lauderdale Police Department, and Ft. Lauderdale Fire Rescue. Participants had opportunities to learn about animals they may not typically encounter. FWC officers also shared information about their role in conservation law enforcement. A special thanks to RiverWalk Broward and Irie Fauna for helping to make this fun event a success!