Volusia sheriff IDs man accused of dumping sailboat at New Smyrna Beach

1 year ago 348

Warrant secured for Michael John Grimes, 49, sheriff’s office says

Sheriff’s office vows to charge man accused of dumping sailboat at New Smyrna Beach (Volusia County Sheriff's Office)

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – In what’s far more than a simple case of illegal beach parking, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood has identified a man accused of abandoning his sailboat on New Smyrna Beach.

The sheriff’s office said Friday on social media that it had attained an arrest warrant for Michael John Grimes, 49, regarding his alleged felony violation of Florida’s litter law as it applies to amounts exceeding 500 pounds.

“Our beaches aren’t your dumping grounds,” the post states. “We’ve been trying to get in contact with him since November, but he has not responded and has shown no intention of removing his boat.”

Michael John Grimes, 49 (Volusia County Sheriff's Office)

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Grimes’ last known address was said to be in Concord, California, according to the sheriff’s office.

His current location is unknown, the sheriff’s office said, noting the arrest warrant carries nationwide extradition.

Our beaches aren't your dumping grounds. We ID'd the person who abandoned his sailboat on New Smyrna Beach. Now we have a warrant for his arrest. Michael John Grimes, 49 (DOB 11/24/1974), is charged with a felony violation of the Florida Litter Law (littering over 500 lbs) pic.twitter.com/Ru3NnlWBZO

— Mike Chitwood (@SheriffChitwood) January 26, 2024

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