Florida Teen Faces Felony Charge for Alleged Alligator Abuse

The 14-year-old is accused of swinging and kicking a baby alligator at a public aquatic center.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:51am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a baby alligator's eye and snout, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic about the need to protect vulnerable wildlife.A harsh flash photograph of a baby alligator's face highlights the vulnerability of wildlife and the need to protect them from abuse.DeLand Today

A 14-year-old boy in DeLand, Florida has been arrested and charged with a felony for allegedly abusing a baby alligator at the Stetson Aquatic Center. Authorities say the teen was seen swinging the animal by its tail, kicking it, and kicking dirt onto it, while other children watched and took photos.

Why it matters

Harming wildlife, especially protected species like alligators, is a serious crime in Florida that can result in heavy fines and jail time. The incident has sparked outrage in the local community over the alleged mistreatment of the vulnerable animal.

The details

According to the arrest affidavit, a Stetson University public safety officer witnessed the 14-year-old boy abusing the baby alligator on security camera footage on April 3. The teen was allegedly swinging the animal over his head by the tail, kicking it, and kicking dirt onto it. Another child took photos of the incident, while the other teens were fishing nearby. The boy later placed the alligator back in the water, but then took it out again when more children approached.

  • The alleged incident occurred on April 3 at the Stetson Aquatic Center in DeLand, Florida.
  • The teen was arrested and booked into the Volusia Sheriff's Office Juvenile Resource Center following the incident.

The players

Volusia Sheriff's Office (VSO)

The law enforcement agency that arrested the 14-year-old boy and charged him with a felony for harming wildlife.

Stetson University Public Safety Officer

The officer who witnessed the alleged abuse of the baby alligator on security camera footage and reported it to the VSO.

AJ Ellis

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation-licensed nuisance alligator trapper who called the incident "pretty sick" and compared it to "kicking a puppy down the street."

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, abusing wildlife is not a way to spend your downtime, you know, it's a felony.”

— Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood

“It's no different than kicking a puppy down the street or grabbing a puppy by the tail and swinging it over your head. I just don't know why somebody would do something like that.”

— AJ Ellis, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation-licensed nuisance gator trapper

What’s next

The 14-year-old boy faces a felony charge for harming wildlife and will have to go through the juvenile justice system. The remaining children who were trespassing at the Stetson Aquatic Center are not being charged, but their parents and guardians have been contacted.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of respecting and protecting wildlife, even in public spaces. The teen's alleged actions have drawn widespread condemnation and will likely result in serious consequences, underscoring the gravity of harming vulnerable animals like baby alligators.