On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump issued pardons to John Moore Jr. and Tanner Mansell. In early 2022, they were tried and convicted for stealing marine data in an effort to save it. The pardons remove felony convictions from the individuals’ records. This move ends many serious consequences, including bans on voting, gun possession, and travel abroad.
Moore, the captain of a shark-diving charter boat, and Mansell, a crew member, encountered a longline approximately three miles off the Jupiter Inlet in August 2020. In the course of her and her colleague’s dive, what seemed like an endless expanse of marine life was ensnared. They released 19 sharks and one large gag grouper from the line. They felt this proposed action was critical for the animals’ recovery.
Almost exactly a year later to the day, both men were sentenced to terms of imprisonment for their crimes. All were found guilty of damaging and stealing property within special maritime jurisdiction. They were later sentenced to pay restitution in excess of $3,343.72. Their felony convictions already disenfranchised them from voting in Florida and barred them from possessing firearms. These convictions have further limited their freedom to travel abroad.
The recent pardons return their rights and remove the stigma, enabling them to live a fuller, less constrained life. Attorney Marc Seitles, who is representing Moore, said he was pleased with the ruling.
“We never stopped fighting, and justice has finally prevailed.” – Marc Seitles
Seitles’ focus throughout was to make sure that both Moore and Mansell merited a Presidential Pardon. He singled out their resolve to stand up for marine animals, and worthily praised their steadfast battle against the charges. The litigation challenges in this case raised fundamental issues. They focused on when it is appropriate to prosecute those who are defending wildlife.
Ian Goldstein, another attorney working on the case, was surprised by the criminal prosecution as well.
“This case never should have been filed.” – Ian Goldstein
Both Moore and Mansell can flex their rights as American citizens again. They’re registered to vote in Florida and are able to come and go from the country at will without legal jeopardy.