This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

Four Florida men are facing multiple felony charges after being caught poaching American alligators. Demand maximum penalties in this case.
 

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, an investigation into the illegal killing of wildlife was launched last May when an officer received Snapchat videos showing Luke David Michael Landry with illegally killed alligators. Warrants were also issued for Robert Martin and Wyatt Lowe.
 

When a warrant was executed at Landry's residence, a search and interviews led to Jacob Latreille, who owned the airboat used in several of the incidents that occurred under the cover of darkness at the St. Johns River in April and May.

The affidavit includes stills from a video showing numerous alligators, including some still alive, being kept on ice on the boat, while other evidence showed Latreille telling others how to catch them.

Latreille and Landry are facing 13 third-degree felony charges, Martin is facing five third-degree felony charges, and Scott is facing one third-degree felony charge, each of which can result in imprisonment for up to five years and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Maximum Sentencing for All Four Brevard County Alligator Poachers

I am writing to you to support the prosecution of Jacob Latreille, who is facing 13 felony charges for the illegal killing of 13 American alligators, along with his co-defendants, David Landry, Robert Martin, and Wyatt Lowe.
 
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, an investigation into the illegal killing of wildlife was launched last May when an officer received Snapchat videos showing Luke David Michael Landry with illegally killed alligators. Warrants were also issued for Robert Martin and Wyatt Lowe.
 
When a warrant was executed at Landry’s residence, a search and interviews led to Jacob Latreille, who owned the airboat used in several of the incidents that occurred under the cover of darkness at the St. Johns River in April and May.

Authorities allege that Latreille operated an airboat while directing several other individuals in capturing the animals. Evidence obtained by investigators included cellphone videos that reportedly documented the hunts.

Conservation authorities argue that significant penalties are necessary not only to address the harm done to protected animals but also to deter future violations of wildlife protection statutes.

Under Florida law, each charge is punishable by imprisonment for up to five years and/or a fine of up to $5,000, and each defendant should face the maximum sentencing. Latreille may also be ordered to pay restitution, have his boat and firearms seized, be prohibited from hunting and fishing, or be issued probation with wildlife restrictions.

Because the court may treat one charge as primary, score additional offenses, and allow concurrent sentencing, each charge must be treated as a primary and served concurrently.

Please share my letter with the presiding judge for sentencing, and thank you for serving in our judicial system.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.