KEY WEST, FL — In a recent case, Raidel Alvarez Perez, 52, was adjudicated guilty before Monroe County Judge Albert Kelley after pleading guilty to multiple violations involving undersized spiny lobster and possession of wrung lobster tails while on the water.
Perez pleaded guilty to 23 total counts, including 16 counts of possession of wrung spiny lobster tails and seven counts involving undersized spiny lobster. Judge Kelley sentenced Perez to 30 days in the Monroe County Jail on each count, with all jail sentences ordered to run concurrently. The Court also imposed six months of probation on each count, to run concurrently, and awarded Perez credit for two days time served. As part of the sentence, Perez was ordered to report to Monroe County Probation Services upon release from custody, complete a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission course, comply with all conditions of probation, and pay a total of $2,838.00 in fines and court costs.
The case stemmed from a March 22, 2025 investigation conducted by officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission near Woman Key. According to FWC officers, they observed a commercial fishing vessel traveling toward Key West and later discovered a red bucket drifting in the water containing approximately 15 to 20 wrung spiny lobster tails. Investigators later determined that Perez was in possession of 16 wrung spiny lobster tails and seven undersized spiny lobster.
FWC Investigators reported that several of the lobster tails were under the legal minimum size limit and that the lobster tails had been separated from the body while still on the water, a violation of Florida law designed to assist conservation officers in determining legal harvest compliance.
Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield praised the work of FWC officers and emphasized the importance of protecting Florida’s marine resources.
“These laws are designed to protect one of the Florida Keys’ most important natural resources and preserve the long-term sustainability of our fisheries. Illegal harvesting practices threaten conservation efforts and undermine the many commercial fishermen who follow the law every day. While the Court imposed concurrent jail and probationary sentences in this case, the defendant now faces strict supervision requirements, and any violation of probation could result in significant additional jail time. We appreciate the work of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in protecting our waters and marine life.”
Assistant State Attorney Sir Nicholas Trovato prosecuted the case on behalf of the State Attorney’s Office.
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