Today, the Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced that four individuals have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in a series of burglaries at state parks. The Office of Statewide Prosecution charged Chandler Parrish Ellison, Alyssa Michelle Brewer, Aaron Tyler Higgins, and Kayly Dawn Burns with racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, armed burglary, among other offenses related to burglarizing ranger stations in state parks across Central Florida and into South Georgia. All defendants entered guilty pleas.
“Thanks to the cooperative work of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and our Statewide Prosecutors, four individuals who burglarized state parks will serve a collective 38 years behind bars,” stated Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Florida parks showcase and preserve the natural beauty of this state, and I thank Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Robert Miller and FWC for pursuing justice and protecting our parks.”
Roger Young, Executive Director of FWC, emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies: “The collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies have been instrumental in bringing these individuals to justice and mitigating further threats to public property and visitor safety within state parks.” He added that both the FWC and the Attorney General’s Office are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of Florida’s natural resources.
The investigation began in fall 2022 after several ranger stations at North Florida state parks were targeted for money, equipment, and merchandise thefts. These incidents also included vandalism and theft from honor boxes where visitors deposited daily fees.
Chandler Ellison pleaded guilty on September 27, 2024, receiving a 12-year prison sentence. Alyssa Brewer followed with a guilty plea on December 20, 2024, resulting in an eight-year sentence. Kayly Burns pled guilty on February 13, 2025, earning a seven-year sentence. Lastly, Aaron Higgins pleaded guilty on March 13, 2025; he was sentenced to 11 years.
To report violations within state parks to FWC authorities can use various methods including downloading the FWC Wildlife Alert app or contacting them via text message or phone call.
