Thousands of flying squirrels captured in Florida, trafficked with estimated $1M worth, officials say

3,600 smuggled flying squirrels = 7 arrests: https://t.co/rpbAr6CQ9S. Thousands of wild southern flying #squirrels were stolen from #Florida & shipped to a South Korean buyer: https://t.co/dFJdNHQNZW pic.twitter.com/OZAJZO89hz

— MyFWC (@MyFWC) October 19, 2020

By Wilson Wong

Seven people were charged in a trafficking operation that trapped thousands of flying squirrels in Florida with an estimated retail value of over $1 million and sold them to buyers in Asia, state wildlife officials said.

Flying squirrels, a protected wild animal in Florida, are sold internationally in the pet trade.

Six suspects have been arrested while one remains a fugitive. The seven face a variety of felony charges that include racketeering, money laundering and dealing in stolen property.

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Suspects charged in the case include:

• Rodney Crendell Knox, 66, Bushnell, Florida
• Kenneth Lee Roebuck, 59, Lake Panasoffkee, Florida
• Donald Lee Harrod Jr., 49, Bushnell, Florida
• Vester Ray Taylor Jr., 40, Webster, Florida
• Jong Yun Baek, 56, Marietta, Georgia
• Ervin Woodyard Jr, 40, Greenville, Georgia
• An unnamed fugitive