Smokey the Bear arrests man for allegedly stealing his signs in Florida to sell on Facebook

Smokey the Bear Helps Catch Man Stealing and Selling Signs on Facebook Marketplace

Law enforcement in Florida received an unusual assist from Smokey the Bear in apprehending a man who was stealing signs bearing the iconic character’s image from state forests and selling them on Facebook Marketplace.

According to Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, the suspect was caught posting the stolen signs on the online platform for a hefty sum of $1,900 each.

Upon learning about the arrest, Simpson took to social media to express his gratitude, stating, “What happens when dumb criminals poke the bear? Our Ag Law Team has a suspect in custody who traveled from Pensacola to Orlando stealing Smokey Bear signs from our state forests and selling them on Facebook Marketplace for $1,900 each.”

He also credited Smokey the Bear for playing a role in the arrest, jokingly thanking the beloved character for personally assisting in the apprehension of the suspect.

The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, was promptly taken into custody and could potentially face criminal charges and jail time as the case progresses.

Simpson emphasized the significance of Smokey the Bear as a symbol of forest fire prevention, highlighting the state’s efforts to combat wildfires that ravaged thousands of acres last year.

With the Agriculture Department’s law enforcement division actively engaged in controlled burns and equipped with upgraded resources, Simpson warned potential offenders, stating, “If you’re going to go in and commit crimes in our forests, you probably need to find a different place.”

He reiterated the state’s strong support for law enforcement and emphasized the presence of officers, including Smokey the Bear, in safeguarding Florida’s forests.

Ultimately, the incident served as a reminder of the importance of preserving natural resources and the consequences of illegal activities that threaten the environment.