Smokey the Bear arrests man for allegedly stealing his signs in Florida to sell on Facebook: 'Dumb criminals'
Share this @internewscast.com

Smokey the Bear helped law enforcement arrest a man for stealing his signs from across Florida and selling them on Facebook Marketplace.

The suspect was posting the signs on Facebook Marketplace for $1,900 apiece, according to Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.

“What happens when dumb criminals poke the bear?” Simpson wrote Wednesday on social media.

“Our Agricultural Law Team apprehended a suspect who journeyed from Pensacola to Orlando, pilfering Smoky Bear signs from state forests and later selling them on Facebook Marketplace for $1,900 apiece,” he noted. “A big thanks to Smokey the Bear for his direct involvement in the apprehension.”

Smokey the Bear giving a thumbs up

The suspect was posting the signs on Facebook Marketplace for $1,900 apiece. (Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson)

“[Smokey] visits schools, is beloved by children, recognized by families, and is famous throughout the United States,” Simpson pointed out. “Who decides to steal Smokey the Bear’s likeness and attempt to profit from it?”

The state has boosted efforts to prevent forest fires, which destroyed 24,000 acres last year. 

Fox 13 reported that the Agriculture Department, which has its own law enforcement branch, conducted controlled burns over 277,000 acres last year, invested $93 million in new equipment, and sent Smokey out to educate residents on how to prevent forest fires.

Smokey the Bears holding shovels

The suspect, whose identity was not released, was transported to jail following his arrest. (Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson)

“If you’re contemplating committing crimes in our forests, you should probably reconsider your location,” Simpson advised the outlet. “In addition to smoke in some forests, you’ll encounter our law enforcement officers.”

“We’re the most pro-law enforcement state in the union,” he said. “Smokey Bear is on the job also.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Black and white photo of Donald Trump pointing at Vladimir Putin.

“Alleged Time Traveler Seen in Photo of Trump Pointing at Putin”

SOCIAL media sleuths say they have spotted a time traveller after Donald…
Hurricane Erin weakens to Category 1 as storm moves away from Northeast; coastal threat remains

Hurricane Erin Diminishes to Category 1 as It Drifts Away from the Northeast; Coastal Hazards Persist

Hurricane Erin has weakened to a Category 1 storm Friday. As the…
US warship burns for 12 hours off Japan coast; 2 sailors suffer minor injuries

A Fire Rages on US Warship Near Japan for 12 Hours; Two Sailors Sustain Minor Injuries

The USS New Orleans warship caught fire Wednesday off the coast of…
Zelenskyy seeks 'strong reaction' from US if Putin is not ready for bilateral meeting

Zelenskyy urges US to strongly respond if Putin declines bilateral meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his desire for a “strong reaction”…
Judge says former Trump lawyer Alina Habba has been unlawfully serving as US attorney in New Jersey

Judge Rules Ex-Trump Lawyer Alina Habba Illegally Practiced Law as a US Attorney in New Jersey

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — A judge decided on Thursday that Alina Habba, who…
Shattered glass in a door.

Villanova University on Lockdown Due to Active Shooter Concerns Shortly After 1,800 Students Move In

STUDENTS at Villanova University are sheltering in place after reports of an…
How the AP did its analysis of partisan advantage in US House districts

Understanding the AP’s Analysis of Partisan Advantage in US House Districts

The Associated Press used an “efficiency gap” analysis to examine congressional elections…
Fighter jet exploding on takeoff.

Frightening scene as fighter jet erupts in flames and crashes during take-off, pilots escape just in time

THIS is the terrifying moment a fighter jet burst into flames before…
Naperville teachers announce strike date as contract negotiations with Naperville School District 203 stall

Naperville Teachers Plan to Strike Following Stalled Contract Talks with District 203

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WLS) — Teachers in Naperville have decided on a strike…
NYPD officer shot during carjacking by career criminal, Adams rips justice reforms

Career Criminal Shoots NYPD Officer During Carjacking; Adams Criticizes Justice Reforms

An NYPD police officer was shot twice Friday morning while responding to…
Public execution in Iran using a crane.

Chilling Scene: Iran Executes Convicted Killer by Crane in Front of Disturbing Audience, Including Children

THIS is the chilling moment Iran’s tyrants hang a murderer from a…