Texas Game Wardens Issue Citation After Discovering Alligator Tied to Boat in Angelina County Pond

Texas game wardens have issued a citation after discovering an alligator tied to a jon boat in an Angelina County pond, leading investigators through a chain of family denials before locating the individual responsible for capturing the reptile.

The investigation began when game wardens visited a residence where the alligator was reportedly being held. At the property, officers spoke with a resident who denied any knowledge of the animal and directed the wardens to speak with his son-in-law, who was currently at work.

During their initial check of the property, wardens located the alligator secured to a jon boat along the bank of the pond. Authorities seized the animal and successfully released it back into the wild.

Authorities later returned to the property to speak with the son-in-law. He likewise denied knowing anything about the alligator and instead pointed investigators toward a third man, identified as his brother-in-law.

When questioned by law enforcement, the third man admitted to catching the alligator and placing it into the pond. Game wardens issued him a citation for the illegal possession of an alligator.

In addition to the wildlife violation, wardens noted that the man had four active warrants issued by the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office. It remains unclear whether he was immediately taken into custody on those outstanding warrants.