A man in Cape Cod, Massachusetts has been charged after he was allegedly caught on video destroying $10,000 worth of lobsters.
Joseph Vaudo was charged with felony vandalism of property and illegal dumping after destroying a tank of lobsters at Superior Lobster and Seafood last week, Today reports.
Cameras at the fish market allegedly caught Vaudo turning off the compressor and oxygen supply to the market’s live seafood tank. Local police also said Vaudo dumped trash in the market’s commercial dumpster.
When the lobsters were found, they had been without sufficient oxygen or water flow for about nine hours, NBC 10 in Boston says. About 2,000 pounds of live lobster were found to be “stressed beyond normal,” which significantly reduced their value.
The man was easily identified after he allegedly tossed trash containing a piece of mail with his address, into the fish market's dumpster, according to court documents.
The outlet also reports that public records show Vaudo previously owned a fish market, Mr. Vaudo’s Fish Market, where the Superior Lobster and Seafood is currently located. Vaudo filed for bankruptcy in 2019, according to records.
Customers were quick to offer the fish market their support.
"I think it's really pathetic," customer Sally Clancy told NBC 10. "But he's a sad man. I'm really happy that the community is rallying behind these guys, though. Their seafood is awesome, and I'm glad they're recovering quickly."
Vaudo, who lives in Sandwich, Massachusetts, pleaded not guilty in court on Monday and was issued a $1,000 bail.
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