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Ana Guiterrez update: Fla. woman photographed riding a manatee arrested for violating state law, police say
Ana Gutierrez is accused of joyriding a manatee at a Florida park
/ WKMG(CBS/AP) ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Ana Gutierrez, a Florida woman, was arrested Saturday for violating state law after being photographed riding a manatee earlier this year.
PICTURES: Fla. woman arrested for riding manatee
Pinellas County sheriff's deputies said Gutierrez, 52, was arrested on a misdemeanor warrant after allegedly riding the manatee at Fort De Soto Park in late September. She was charged with violating the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, which prohibits the intentional harassment or disturbance of any manatee.
Gutierrez called deputies Oct. 2 and turned herself in after allegedly admitting to touching the endangered sea mammal. She told them she was new to the area and didn't know it was illegal to touch a manatee. The manatee was not hurt.
The maximum penalty is a $500 fine and six months in jail. Gutierrez was released on $1,500 bail.
More on Crimesider
Oct. 3, 2012 - Ana Guiterrez, Fla. woman photographed riding a manatee, turns herself in to authorities, police say
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