Spring Hill man sentenced to federal prison for trafficking over 100 turtles
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Spring Hill man was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to trafficking over 100 turtles, violating the Lacy Act last year, the Department of Justice announced.
On Monday, Kevin Olbrych, 48, received his sentence for trafficking Florida box turtles, loggerhead musk turtles, and ornate diamondback terrapins. He reportedly faced up to 10 years in federal prison.
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According to the DOJ, Olbrych has been permanently enjoined from processing, caring for, transporting, selling, transferring, or distributing any animals. He was also ordered to pay $7,500 to the Lacey Act Reward Fund. The 48-year-old will also have three years of supervised release after serving time.
Back in 2018, the Tampa Police Department searched Olbyrch’s home, where they found several 300-gallon pools filled with turtles and other containers for the rearing of turtles. There were 120 turtles unlawfully in his possession.
The turtles were not properly housed, and Olbrych was not licensed to have them, according to the DOJ. The animals were confiscated and turned over to an individual qualified to rehabilitate them on behalf of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
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During an investigation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that Olbrych had illegally sold turtles to a co-conspirator in Oregon, who later sold them to buyers in China. Authorities said the 48-year-old continued selling turtles through 2021, even after the turtles were seized from his home in 2018.
Olbrych pleaded guilty on Nov. 17, 2023.
The Lacey Act combats the trafficking of illegally taken wildlife, fish, or plants. The Lacey Act Refund uses money to pay for the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of wildlife pending their disposition after civil and criminal matters.
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