FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida man is facing a combination of drug and wildlife charges after deputies discovered sea turtle eggs and narcotics in his van.
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, 53-year-old Wesley Winters was arrested Sunday morning outside a residence where he was previously arrested for aggravated battery on a senior citizen and had been issued a no-contact order.
Deputies say as Winters exited his parked white van, they spotted several sand-covered white and tan orbs in a tray between his feet. The orbs were later identified as protected sea turtle eggs.
While placing the eggs into evidence bags, a deputy also noticed a marijuana bowl on the ground near the vehicle. After asking Winters if he had any narcotics, to which he replied, “not that I’m aware of,” the deputy obtained consent to search the van.
Inside, authorities found methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana, and one alprazolam pill.
Winters was arrested for possession of multiple controlled substances. A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer also responded to the scene to investigate the illegal possession of marine turtle eggs.
Winters told authorities the eggs had washed up from eroded nests and that he believed they were non-viable.
FWC has charged Winters with:
Five misdemeanor counts of knowingly possessing 11 or fewer marine turtle eggs
Five felony counts of taking, disturbing, mutilating, or destroying marine turtle eggs
