A 42-year-old Ocklawaha man was arrested after a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer allegedly found alligators and softshell turtles at his home.
On Friday, August 23, the FWC officer responded to a home located in the 16900 block of SE 65th Street in Ocklawaha after receiving a complaint that a man, identified as Robert Lee Miller, was keeping two alligators in his swimming pool, according to the arrest report.
Upon arrival, the officer made contact with Miller. The report stated that after being read his Miranda rights, Miller admitted to having the alligators in his above-ground swimming pool, and he agreed to show the officer the pool in question.
In the report, the officer noted that two alligators were observed in the above-ground pool. Miller then gave the officer permission to “look around the property.”
During a search of the home and surrounding property, the officer located an alligator’s skull. Miller allegedly admitted to “killing (the alligator) approximately one month ago,” according to the report.
In front of the home, the officer noted that a small pool contained yellow-bellied slider turtles. Miller allegedly told the officer that he had taken the turtles from a pond behind his home.
Miller was placed under arrest and transported to Marion County Jail on August 23. Two days later, he was released after posting a $1,000 bond, and he is facing the following charges: illegally killing, possessing, or capturing of alligators (two counts); taking alligators without a trapping license; and taking or possessing softshell turtles.
Marion County court records show that Miller has entered a written plea of “not guilty.” He is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 24, for an arraignment hearing.