A federal indictment has been issued against Matthew Edward Zoladz, a 36-year-old resident of Palmetto, Florida. Zoladz is accused of violating the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act as well as the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. The charges stem from an incident on December 8, 2022, when Zoladz allegedly disposed of the body of an individual referred to as Victim 1 into ocean waters.
If convicted on all counts, Zoladz could face up to 15 years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the charges.
"An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty," stated Kehoe.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is conducting the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Abigail K. King will prosecute the case.
