Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the county.
The state attorney’s office continues to aggressively prosecute violent offenders, repeat criminals and wildlife violators while working closely with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to keep the Florida Keys safe.
Ward discussed several recent high-profile cases, ongoing criminal prosecutions and public safety initiatives, while also praising newly appointed U.S. Senator Ashley Moody and encouraging residents and visitors to obey Florida’s laws during the upcoming lobster mini season.
Ward praised Senator Ashley Moody, calling her “the total package,” noting her experience as a judge, Florida attorney general and now U.S. Senator after being appointed to fill the vacancy left by Marco Rubio’s appointment to President Donald Trump’s administration. Ward said Moody has already made an impact in Washington and expressed confidence in her campaign to retain the seat.
Turning to criminal justice matters, Ward highlighted a recent conviction involving multiple violations of Florida’s marine conservation laws. A Monroe County judge sentenced a defendant to 30 days in jail after convictions on seven offenses involving protected marine species.
Ward said his office intentionally seeks jail sentences in fish and wildlife cases, arguing that previous diversion programs failed to deter repeat offenders.
“We have to preserve these resources for future generations,” Ward said, adding that protecting Monroe County’s natural environment remains a priority.
Ward also discussed the sentencing of a man convicted after posing as an Uber driver to prey upon women leaving bars in Key West. The defendant received a 15-year prison sentence after attempting to sexually assault a woman in 2022.
Ward noted the sentence is only part of the prosecution because the defendant still faces another pending case involving similar allegations.
“This guy hunted women,” Ward said. “Fifteen years is not enough as far as I’m concerned.”
He credited the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement with locating and extraditing the suspect after he fled to New Mexico.
Ward also announced that a Monroe County grand jury returned a first-degree murder indictment against Bradly Shawn Shadduck in the death of Lynne Shattuck. Prosecutors are now evaluating whether to seek the death penalty.
Additional prosecutions include a prison sentence for a defendant convicted in three felony drug cases stemming from a Key West Police Department narcotics investigation and a state prison sentence for a man convicted of stealing a rented U-Haul truck.
Ward summarized his office’s approach with a simple phrase: “Sale means jail.”
He also previewed what he described as one of the county’s most disturbing pending prosecutions involving a man accused of sexually abusing a teenage girl for years and hiding her inside a clothes dryer when deputies arrived after she secretly called 911.
According to Ward, investigators continue to uncover additional evidence from the suspect’s cellphone, with numerous additional charges expected.
Looking ahead, Ward issued a strong warning to visitors planning to participate in Florida’s lobster mini season later this month.
He cautioned that anyone harvesting lobster before the legal season opens or violating Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations risks arrest, prosecution and jail time.
“If you’re going to do that,” Ward said, “I recommend you order some Maine lobster or frozen Florida lobster and save yourself some money.”
Ward concluded by expressing pride in America’s approaching 250th anniversary and wished residents a safe and happy Independence Day.