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Two Men Charged for Stealing Protected Tarpon in Florida

1/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Derrick Lee Vivian and Christopher Jeffrey Smith face burglary and tarpon harvesting charges.
The charges stem from fishing a protected tarpon at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters on May 25, 2025.
Security footage shows them entering the aquarium and catching a 55-inch tarpon.
The tarpon was returned to the lagoon and was later found dead.
Bond is set at $27,000 for both defendants.

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Story summary

Derrick Lee Vivian and Christopher Jeffrey Smith face burglary and tarpon harvesting charges.
The charges stem from fishing a protected tarpon at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters on May 25, 2025.
Security footage shows them entering the aquarium and catching a 55-inch tarpon.
The tarpon was returned to the lagoon and was later found dead.
Bond is set at $27,000 for both defendants.