Two Arrested for Allegedly Scattering Toxic Mothballs Near Protected Bird Colony
Two men, Robert Czyszczon and Christopher Monroe, have been arrested for allegedly scattering hundreds of toxic mothballs on St. Pete Beach. The mothballs were found near a nesting colony of protected black skimmers, and investigators believe the act was an…
Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, July 29, 2026 —
Two individuals, Robert Czyszczon and Christopher Monroe, have been arrested in connection with the alleged scattering of hundreds of toxic mothballs on St. Pete Beach. The incident occurred near a nesting site for black skimmers, a species protected under environmental regulations.
Investigators believe the act was intended to prevent the birds from establishing a nesting colony behind the Plaza Beach Hotel. Property records indicate that Robert Czyszczon is the owner of the Plaza Beach Hotel.
The substances found at the scene were identified as mothballs, which are known to be toxic. The presence of these chemicals near the protected bird colony raised immediate concerns among environmental authorities.
Czyszczon and Monroe are facing multiple charges as a result of the investigation. These charges include commercial littering, a violation related to the improper disposal of waste in a commercial context. Additionally, they face charges for attempted take of an imperiled species, indicating an alleged effort to harm or disturb the protected black skimmers.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Further details regarding the timeline of the alleged scattering and the specific outcomes of inspections were not immediately available.
Story summarized from the original created by By Max Chesnes, Times staff,By Michaela Mulligan, Times staff on www.tampabay.com, see more information here.
