LAKE APOPKA, Fla. – Two men were arrested Thursday after they captured 260 recently hatched alligators on Lake Apopka, Florida wildlife officials said.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said officers were on surveillance at the Montverde boat ramp early Thursday when Robert "Bo" Martin Duval, 32, and Christopher Cork Scroggins, 22, came ashore with the newborn reptiles.
Recommended Videos
The FWC said that as the officers approached the pair, Duval said, "You have got me, and I have a lot of alligator hatchlings."
The FWC said there is an illegal market for hatchling alligators.
Duval and Scroggins were arrested on charges of felony possession/capture of hatchling alligators and misdemeanor conspiracy charges. Duval also is charged with possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. The FWC said guns were found hidden under some vegetation in the boat.
The FWC returned all the hatchlings to the lake alive.
Duval was released on $13,000 bond, and Scroggins was released on $3,000 bond.
The FWC said possessing/capturing hatchling alligators, a third-degree felony, carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine upon conviction.