Beverly Beach, FL – A Florida man was arrested after deputies found him in possession of illegal drugs and unhatched sea turtle eggs, all while violating a court-ordered no-contact directive, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO).
“Dumb Criminal of the Week”
Sheriff Rick Staly called the suspect, Wesley Winters, 53, the “dumb criminal of the week” after the arrest. He stated:
“Here’s our dumb criminal of the week who, because an observant deputy recognized that he was violating his no-contact order, now finds himself in the Green Roof Inn on over a dozen charges after he had drugs and protected sea turtle eggs in his car!”
How the Arrest Happened
On Sunday morning, a deputy patrolling North Ocean Shore Boulevard spotted a white van parked outside a home. The deputy recognized both the van and its occupant from a civil standby in August, during which Winters had been served a temporary no-contact order.
The order prohibited Winters from being within 500 feet of the victim’s home, according to CBS12.
Upon approaching the vehicle, the deputy found Winters sleeping inside. When he was awakened, the deputy noticed several unusual sand-covered orbs, later identified as sea turtle eggs by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Drugs and Paraphernalia Found
While investigating, deputies discovered:
- A marijuana bowl on the ground near the driver’s door
- A THC vape pen in Winters’ pocket
- Methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana, and an alprazolam pill inside the van
- A handmade metal pipe and another marijuana bowl
Winters allegedly claimed he did not know about the marijuana outside and consented to the search.
Sea Turtle Eggs Investigation
FWC officers arrived on the scene to handle the protected marine turtle eggs. Winters reportedly told officers he had collected the eggs after seeing them wash ashore from eroded nests. He admitted he knew the eggs were unhatched but believed they were non-viable.
Charges Filed
Wesley Winters now faces multiple charges, including:
- Possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, alprazolam, and marijuana
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Violation of no-contact order
- Misdemeanor and felony charges related to possession and disturbance of marine turtle eggs
What are your thoughts on this unusual arrest involving drugs and protected sea turtle eggs? Share your views in the comments below.
