One man is off the hook.
Thirteenth Circuit State Attorney Andrew Warren dropped the case against Spencer Heintz, 23, of Palmetto, at a May 1 hearing in Tampa “after additional analysis.”
Heintz was one of four men on a speedboat used to drag a blacktip shark in the water near Egmont Key in June 2017.
After months of public outrage that reached as far as the governor’s office, the Hillsborough County prosecutor brought two counts of aggravated animal cruelty against Heintz, Robert Benac III of Sarasota, 29, and Michael Wenzel, 21.
Benac and Wenzel still face the felony counts, as well as a misdemeanor count for spearing a blacknose shark the same day.
The fourth man on the boat, who grew up on Anna Maria Island, Nicholas Burns Easterling, was not charged.
A statement emailed from Warren’s office May 3 said Heintz was “largely a spectator” and the decision was made “to move forward with the more culpable defendants for their senseless animal cruelty.”
The prosecutor’s office also told The Islander no charge was brought against Easterling “for a similar reason.”
“Any person who has viewed the video from this incident should be outraged, but as prosecutors we must evaluate the evidence and law without emotion or prejudice,” Warren said in his statement.
Heintz’ attorney Paul Sisco of Jung and Sisco, a Tampa law firm, told WTSP-TV-Channel 10 News that his client did nothing that constituted a crime and would be fully cooperating with authorities by telling the truth.
Heintz is the son of attorney Steven E. Heintz of the law firm Heintz & Becker of Palmetto. Benac is the son of Manatee County Commissioner Betsy Benac. Wenzel’s father is a Manatee County planning manager.
The incident caught on a 10-second viral video spawned an investigation by Florida Wildlife and Conservation Commission and Manatee and Hillsborough prosecutors, leading to charges in December 2017.
Social media and media outlets spread the video worldwide after Wenzel allegedly first sent it to Mark “the Shark” Quartiano of Miami, looking for praise. However, the famed shark-hunter instead indicated his disgust and reported the incident.
The FWC and Manatee County prosecutors worked together in the investigation to issue search warrants and access social media accounts.
The 13th Circuit State Attorney became involved in October 2017 when investigators determined the alleged offenses occurred in Hillsborough County.
Gov. Rick Scott wrote letters in July and December 2017, proclaiming zero tolerance for such abuse.
With protests and petitions, fishing enthusiasts and animal rights activists condemned the men’s actions, some calling for the men to permanently lose their fishing licenses.
Wenzel has a commercial saltwater products fishing license. Benac is a recreational fisher.
The cases of Wenzel and Benac are set for disposition hearings at 9 a.m., Wednesday, June 13, in the Criminal Court of Hillsborough County, 401 N. Jefferson St., Tampa.
go ahead …post my comment. freedom of press…freedom to state an opinion….not unless it is the same opinion as the editor…otherwise it doesn’t get printed
How nice that Betsy has such a sweet son who has lived here his whole life and really appreciates all of the wonderful things he has. A great environment, fabulous wildlife and a family that cares. Ahh the life of privilege. Now if only a couple of years behind bars was an available option. Life would be perfect and Betsy could be so proud. (why she isn’t in jail is beyond me)
And how about our friend Mr. Wenzel….Daddy on the planning commission. A great environment to live in ( just like his Benac friend). Maybe they could spend a couple of years together. Oh, my mistake..this is Florida politics here, so both of thes clowns will end up getting off with a little slap on the wrist and a “no,no,no” and next week, they’ll be back at it again