MIAMI, Florida (22 Jan 2009) — One of six defendants in a massive lobster poaching case in the Florida Keys dubbed Operation: Freezer Burn pleaded guilty Thursday in Miami federal court to one count of conspiracy. John R. Niles, 50, a house painter from LaBelle, admitted to Judge Jose Martinez that he helped with the illegal harvest of more than 1,100 lobsters from man-made structures known as casitas placed in the waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary last August. ''Is it true?'' the judge asked the defendant after prosecutor Thomas Watts-FitzGerald read a statement of facts from the plea agreement in open court. ''Yes, sir,'' Niles answered. Martinez set sentencing for April 2 and allowed Niles to remain free on bond. Niles could receive up to five years in prison plus a $250,000 fine. Watts-FitzGerald characterized the defendant as having a ''minor role'' in the alleged lobster-poaching operation led by Dave Dreifort of Cudjoe Key. He said Niles has agreed to provide ''substantial assistance'' to the government in preparing its case against Dreifort and his co-defendants: wife Denise Dreifort; charter fishing captains Rob Hammer of Miami and Mike Delph of Key West; and Sean Reyngoudt of Summerland Key. The six were arrested on opening day of lobster season last August after federal agents watched them place artificial habitats in the water, then dive down with scuba gear to harvest lobsters from the sites. The defendants allegedly stored the illegal catch in underwater cages, then transported the cages to Dreifort's home with the intent to sell the catch. Federal agents seized the 28-foot Whitewater used for diving, along with a 21-foot Wahoo boat, an 18-foot Action Craft boat, a 2004 Ford Excursion, a 2002 Ford pickup and a 2003 Chevy Suburban. | | Federal officials say thousands of lobsters were illegally taken from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. U.S ATTORNEY'S OFFICE All six defendants entered pleas of not guilty after a Miami federal grand jury indicted them last December. Niles is the only one to change his plea so far. The others are free on bond awaiting trial. Prosecutors believe the illegal lobster harvest had been going on for years and likely affected the reproduction and growth of lobster stocks in the Keys. by SUSAN COCKING |
