A 41-year-old Kenansville man was arrested when he illegally sold alligator meat, frog legs and bluegill fish to undercover investigators with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

John Earl Hasson was arrested Feb. 5. A year ago, a FWC officer received information about someone killing alligators and selling the meat, along with freshwater game fish and frog legs, prompting the sting.

It is illegal to sell alligator meat or frog legs without a permit and illegal to sell game fish at all.

“This is stealing from anglers who abide by the laws in place to protect the resource so all can enjoy them,” Lt. Don McMillen, FWC investigative lieutenant, said.
A violation of FWC rules and regulations is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.