Two Florida business owners, Christopher Monroe and Robert Czyszczon, have been charged with third-degree felonies in connection with the alleged scattering of 1,500 mothballs on St. Pete Beach in St. Petersburg.
According to investigators from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the mothballs were placed in an area where endangered black skimmers, a species of shorebird, were attempting to establish a nesting colony. The commission's officials expressed concern that the placement of the mothballs could have put not only the birds but also other wildlife and children at risk.
The incident began on April 29 when beachgoers noticed the mothballs on the sand behind the Plaza Beach Hotel. By May 1, approximately 1,000 of the small, white orbs had been removed by FWC officers and volunteers from the Audubon Society. However, another 500 appeared overnight.
An investigation was launched after it became clear that someone might be targeting the birds. Through video surveillance and receipt records, investigators found that Czyszczon had purchased a large quantity of mothballs at a Walmart on April 28, the day before they first appeared on the beach. Text messages between Czyszczon and Monroe revealed their objections to the native fowl and plans for placement of the mothballs.
The men allegedly feared that nests on the beach would lead to fewer customers and less money being spent there. If convicted, both men could face up to five years in prison, fines of up to $5,000, and up to five years of probation.
Monroe and Czyszczon were charged with illegal dumping and the attempted take of a state-listed imperiled species by harassment. They are currently out on bond.
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