Monroe County State Attorney Secures Guilty Verdicts in Wildlife Cases

Marathon, FL – Dayton Miguel Novo-Ruiz has been adjudicated guilty on all seven counts related to the illegal harvesting of marine resources in Monroe County. This follows the earlier guilty adjudication of his co-defendant, Serguei Sierra-Gonzalez, for the same offenses. Both cases stemmed from a July 13, 2024, operation conducted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) near the Vaca Cut Bridge in Marathon.

FWC officers observed Novo-Ruiz and Sierra-Gonzalez diving without a required dive flag and using a speargun to illegally harvest marine life. Upon inspection, officers retrieved a blue mesh bag containing six spiny lobster tails, including undersized specimens, and the head of a freshly speared lobster. Also found was an undersized mangrove snapper, measuring less than the 10-inch minimum size requirement, which had also been speared. The violations occurred during the closed lobster season, just one day before the legal mini-season.

Officers determined that the lobsters had been wrung (tails separated from their bodies) underwater, a practice prohibited in Florida waters. Additionally, the spearfishing of lobsters is illegal under state law. Both individuals initially denied their involvement, but evidence, including photos and witness statements, confirmed their culpability.

Sentencing for Dayton Miguel Novo-Ruiz:

Judge James Morgan sentenced Novo-Ruiz to:

• 16 days in the Monroe County Jail on each count, to be served concurrently.

• $883 in fines and court costs.

• Completion of an FWC-approved marine resource education course.

• 25 hours of community service.

• Six months of probation on each count, also to run concurrently.

Sentencing for Serguei Sierra-Gonzalez:

Sierra-Gonzalez was adjudicated guilty earlier and received the following sentence:

• Eight days in the Monroe County Jail (time served).

• $883 in fines and court costs.

• Completion of an FWC-approved marine resource education course.

• 25 hours of community service.

• Six months of probation on each count, also to run concurrently.

The charges for both individuals included:

• Possession of undersized gray/mangrove snapper.

• Harvesting spiny lobster with a spear (two counts).

• Possession of a wrung lobster tail.

• Possession of spiny lobster during the closed season.

• Possession of undersized spiny lobster (two counts).

State Attorney Dennis Ward, who prosecuted both cases, reiterated his dedication to protecting Florida’s marine environment. “Our natural resources are vital to the livelihood of the Keys community and must be preserved for future generations. These convictions send a strong message that violations will not be tolerated.”

The successful prosecution of these cases underscores the importance of collaboration between FWC and the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office in preserving Florida’s fragile marine ecosystems. The public is encouraged to report wildlife violations to FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

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