A Florida diver’s attempt to protect marine life unexpectedly led to a felony conviction—then, years later, a presidential pardon. Tanner Mansell, 31, and fellow diver John Moore Jr. were among 16 individuals granted full pardons by President Donald Trump on May 28. Their case, which originated from a 2020 conviction for theft of property within special maritime jurisdiction, has since drawn national attention.
The incident occurred in April 2020 when Mansell, operating a routine dive trip near a popular reef site, encountered what appeared to be an abandoned longline—deep-sea fishing gear used to catch large fish, often with unintended bycatch. Acting on instinct and concern, Mansell and Moore contacted law enforcement, then proceeded to cut the line and release 19 sharks, unaware that the equipment belonged to a legally authorized National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research operation.
“We thought we were doing the right thing,” Mansell explained. “It didn’t make sense that there could be a permit to kill sharks in that area.” Despite their attempts to involve authorities, the federal government pursued charges.
Though they avoided prison time, the conviction carried lasting consequences: restrictions on voting rights, firearm ownership, and international travel. Their case eventually reached the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, where Judge Barbara Lagoa questioned why the prosecution had proceeded. According to Mansell, Lagoa noted the rarity of a criminal defendant who proactively called enforcement while committing the alleged offense.
The case gained attention from the Cato Institute, which published an article highlighting the apparent injustice. That coverage prompted interest from the Trump White House, which later contacted Mansell’s legal team for more information. The result was a full presidential pardon that restored key civil rights and cleared a path for Mansell to continue his conservation work.
“I was speechless,” Mansell said, recalling the moment he received the news while boarding a plane. “I’m just so grateful. Words can’t explain it.”
Mansell remains committed to shark conservation and hopes his story highlights a broader issue: the legal framework surrounding shark research and commercial fisheries. “Maybe in the name of sharks, we can take a second look at whether these kinds of killings should still be happening in Florida,” he said.
His attorney, Ian Goldstein, emphasized the pair’s intentions were never criminal. “These gentlemen made an honest mistake,” Goldstein said. “I can’t think of two individuals more deserving of a Presidential Pardon.”
Though the felony technically remains on record, the pardon allows Mansell to vote, apply for travel visas, and legally own firearms. More importantly, it has restored some of the faith he lost in the justice system. “There are a lot of checks and balances for a reason,” he said.
