Alligator poaching Palmetto, FL (US) Incident Date: Monday, Aug 9, 2004 County: Manatee Local Map: available Disposition: Convicted Abuser/Suspect: Nicholas L. Harris

Case ID: 5864 Classification: Unlawful Trapping/Hunting Animal: reptile View more cases in FL (US) Login to Watch this Case

A Wimauma man accused of poaching an alligator pleaded no contest during a hearing on Oct 28, 2005, court records show.

A judge sentenced Nicholas L. Harris, 22, who had been in jail since his arrest July 9, to time served. However, he remained in jail on Oct 28, 2005 because paperwork needed for his release had not been filed, according to a jail employee.

If the case had gone to trial and Harris had been convicted, he could have been sentenced to up to five years in prison for killing or injuring an alligator, a third-degree felony, according to state law.

On Aug. 9, 2004, a deputy saw Harris shoot an arrow into a ditch off of Buckeye Road in northern Palmetto, according to his arrest warrant.

After letting the arrow fly, Harris left the spot for almost a half-hour, the warrant stated. During that time, a 5-foot-6-inch gator surfaced from the ditch, with an arrow protruding from its neck. It was also tied to the spot where Harris had stood.

When confronted about the incident, Harris denied the accusation and told the deputy he was fishing, according to a Manatee County Sheriff's Office report. He later admitted to the shooting the alligator.

A state trapper was called to catch the injured reptile, but the reports did not indicate whether the alligator was still alive when it was pulled ashore.

Almost a year later, authorities arrested Harris on the poaching charge.

Two months before the alligator incident, Harris was charged with animal cruelty for leaving two puppies in the enclosed back of a pick-up truck with a tipped over gasoline can and no water, court records show.

A judge placed Harris on one year probation and sentenced him to 40 hours of community service at an animal shelter, court records show. He also was prohibited from owning or having any other contact with animals without supervision.

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References

Bradenton Herald - Oct 29, 2005

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