Andrew Morales, widely recognized on social media as the "Cuban Tarzan," along with influencer Braden Peters, known as "Clavicular," managed to steer clear of jail last Friday. This outcome followed a negotiated agreement with the prosecution in a Miami-Dade court regarding their involvement in a shooting incident involving an alligator in Florida's Everglades.
As reported by Telemundo 51, both individuals opted for a no-contest plea to the charges before the judge. Each faced one count of unlawfully discharging a firearm in a public area, a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
The judge sentenced them to six months of supervised probation, with the potential for early termination, and mandated 20 hours of community service. Notably, given their profiles as content creators, these community service hours cannot be broadcast live or monetized.
Additionally, both Morales and Peters are required to complete a firearm safety course and a wildlife course through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The judge made it clear that any probation violations could result in up to 364 days of incarceration.
Details of the Everglades Incident
The events leading to these charges occurred on March 26 at the boat ramp dock of the Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area within the Everglades. A viral video shared on social media depicted several individuals aboard an airboat repeatedly firing at an alligator that appeared lifeless. A voice in the video is heard saying, "I think that alligator is dead, just to make sure."
Following the video's circulation, the FWC announced it was conducting an investigation into the matter.
On April 29, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office filed charges against Peters, Morales, and a third individual identified as Yabdiel Aníbal Cotto Torres, 26, also known as "Baby Alien." This third person did not appear in court and is expected to face the judge later in May.
Reactions and Additional Legal Troubles
Peters' attorney previously stated that no animals were harmed and that Peters was following the directions of a licensed airboat guide.
Upon leaving the courtroom, Peters approached Morales with a smile, and they shook hands before departing with their legal teams. Peters acknowledged the cameras present but neither made any statements to the media, with their legal team only saying, "No comments. No comments, guys. Thank you."
Morales, aged 22, is a Cuban residing in South Florida who gained popularity on social media for videos where he captures green iguanas—a species considered invasive in Florida—by hand in the canals of Miami-Dade and the Everglades. His content has amassed over 70 million views across various platforms.
Peters, 20, faces additional legal challenges. He was arrested in Fort Lauderdale on March 27 on assault charges after allegedly instigating a fight between two women and posting it online; in April, he was hospitalized in Miami following a suspected overdose, and he is currently facing a civil lawsuit in Miami-Dade filed by a teenage influencer accusing him of assault.
The case remains open pending the final court appearance of "Baby Alien," anticipated to occur before the end of May.
Legal Implications for Influencers in Wildlife Incidents
What charges did Morales and Peters face?
Both faced charges of illegal discharge of a firearm in a public place, which is a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida.
What were the conditions of their probation?
They were sentenced to six months of probation with the possibility of early termination, alongside 20 hours of community service that cannot be broadcasted or monetized.
What additional legal issues does Braden Peters face?
Peters was arrested for assault charges in Fort Lauderdale, hospitalized for a suspected overdose in Miami, and is involved in a civil lawsuit for assault filed by a teenage influencer.