Florida man busted with guns, drugs, and a gator

Did you hear the one about the guy who just got busted with guns and drugs, and transporting a gator?  On April 8, Florida’s Collier County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a 31-year-old Golden Gate Estates man that they charged with multiple felonies.  The Florida man, identified as Michael Marolla of 2961 28th Ave. S.E., is facing drug and firearm violations, and transporting an alligator.

The deputies found more than they bargained for when they conducted a traffic stop on a black GMC Sierra pickup after they recognized the driver from previous law enforcement encounters as having a suspended license. This happened yesterday at approximately 12:30 a.m. near 12th Street Southeast and Golden Gate Boulevard.

A live baby alligator in an open plastic tub was discovered in the bed of the pickup, along with two firearms inside the truck. One firearm was concealed in the glove box and the other was hidden under the front passenger seat.

Marolla was the front-seat passenger in the pickup and was charged by deputies with two counts of carrying a concealed firearm.  Marolla is also looking at charges of possession of a controlled substance – amphetamine and possession of narcotic equipment after deputies found multiple loaded syringes in Marolla’s jacket. The syringes tested positive for methamphetamine.

Deputies notified the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about the alligator. Wildlife officers responded to investigate.

(Source and Michael Marolla mugshot: Collier County Sheriff’s Office)

~ Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter