United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida
02/26/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/26/2026 08:42
Palmetto Man Charged with Illegal Disposal of a Deceased Body
Tampa, Florida - Matthew Edward Zoladz (36, Palmetto) has been charged by federal indictment with a violation of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act and a violation of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. If convicted on all counts, Zoladz faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, on December 8, 2022, Zoladz illegally dumped the body of Victim 1 into ocean waters.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abigail K. King.
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