BEVERLY BEACH, Fla. – A 53-year-old man was arrested in Beverly Beach after deputies found a disturbing combination of illegal wildlife and narcotics in his vehicle.
Wesley Winters was taken into custody on Sunday by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office after deputies discovered sea turtle eggs on the floorboard of his van, along with a variety of drugs scattered throughout the vehicle.
Deputies located Winters’ van parked outside a residence along North Ocean Shore Boulevard. Authorities said Winters had previously been arrested for aggravated battery and was under a no-contact order involving the resident of that home.
According to an official release, a deputy woke Winters and asked him to step out of the van. As he did, the deputy spotted white and tan orbs — later identified as sea turtle eggs — resting between his feet.
Further investigation uncovered multiple narcotics inside the van. Details regarding the specific substances have not yet been released.
Sea turtles are a protected species under both state and federal law, and the illegal possession of their eggs carries serious penalties, including felony wildlife charges.
Winters is now facing multiple charges, including wildlife violations, drug possession, and violation of a no-contact order.
The incident is under investigation, and wildlife officials have been notified regarding the handling of the endangered sea turtle eggs.
