The woman, 20-year-old Stephanie Moor, was arrested on Saturday morning in Melbourne, Florida. The arrest happened after police officers responded to a disturbance call.
When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered Moore, who had an active felony warrant in reference to sell, possess, molest marine turtle or eggs nest.
Moore was arrested and booked into the Brevard County Jail and is being held on a $2,000 bond.
Once the photos went viral, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission received a number of complaints. This led to them launching a criminal investigation.
Andrea Hill, marketing and communications director with the Brevard Zoo, said what Moore did was unfortunate and callous. Hill added that the woman’s actions could impact more than just the turtle. It is the time of the season when turtles lay eggs, and it takes a lot for a sea turtle to come and lay eggs, which Moore likely impeded.
Melbourne is home to the most important sea turtle nesting habitat in the entire country. Around 90 percent of the creatures in the country call that area home, and this is why civic leaders do a lot to protect sea turtles.
