Robert Lee "Bo" Benac
Robert Lee "Bo" Benac
Robert Lee "Bo" Benac is a resident of Manatee County, Florida. In July, 2017, Benac along with friends Michael Wenzel, Spencer Heintz, and Nicholas Burns Easterling became infamous after dragging a shark behind a boat at high speed. In September 2019, he was sentenced to 10 days in prison after pleading guilty to misdemeanors related to the incident. [9] [5] [2]
Personal Life
Bo is the son of Betsy Benac, Manatee County Commissioner. Benac professes the Jewish faith and was known as the Bear Jew on Instagram before deleting his account. [5]
Shark Cruelty
On July 24, 2017, Bo, Michael Wenzel, Spencer Heintz, and Nicholas Burns Easterling, posted a video of themselves dragging a shark behind their speed boat. Michael was the captain of the boat while Bo filmed the video. [6] [1]
Charges
On December 12, 2017 Bo Benac, Michael Wenzel, and Spencer Heintz were all charged with felony animal cruelty. Additionally to the felony charges, Wenzel and Benac face misdemeanor charges of illegal method of take- shark, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. [8]
Sentencing
On September 15, 2019, Benac entered into a plea deal and avoided being convicted of a crime.
He originally faced felony charges, but pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of aggravated cruelty to animals and violation of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rules.
The judge withheld adjudication and sentenced Benac to 10 days in the county jail and 11 months of probation.
Benac was also ordered to pay a $2,500 fine and perform 250 hours of community service ― 125 of which will be served at an animal shelter.
His fishing license was also revoked for three years.
Benac got credit for a day he spent in the county jail when he was arrested.
After sentencing, Benac has nine days left to serve of his jail sentence, which can be served over weekends.
Other Incidents
Michael Wenzel posted a photo of himself pouring beer into the mouth of an Atlantic goliath grouper also known as a jewfish while Bo Benac held the fish. [3] Atlantic goliath grouper are a protected species. [4]