Carlos Fabian Mercado de Choudens, a 29-year-old man, was arrested in Monroe County, Florida, for having a live baby alligator in his fishing bucket without the necessary permit. During a routine check by wildlife police, officers found multiple bluegill fish in his possession as well as the alligator hidden under rags. Mercado claimed to be a licensed alligator trapper but lacked the proper documentation for this capture. He was charged with a third-degree felony and released later after posting bail, while the baby alligator was safely returned to the wild.
"Mercado admitted to catching the baby alligator and stated he was a licensed alligator trapper but that he did not have a permit for the alligator."
"Officer Brandon Catalano stated in his report that Mercado could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for illegally capturing the alligator."
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