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Punta Gorda, FL - A Florida charter boat captain who went viral after an angry outburst on the water is now facing new charges and citations following an investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Brock Horner, 40, was arrested by Punta Gorda police on April 4th after video surfaced showing him yelling at and allegedly threatening 22-year-old boater Gage Towles on the Peace River.
Officials say Horner unlawfully boarded Towles' boat, sparking a criminal case that led to a burglary with assault or battery charge.
A judge later issued a no-contact order against Horner, barring him from approaching Towles.
Following his arrest, FWC opened a separate investigation and allegedly found Horner operated a March 29 charter trip without a valid saltwater charter license and used an improperly registered vessel under his business, Tarpon Coast Fishing Charters.
As a result, Horner now faces an additional misdemeanor for harassment of a fisherman and citations for careless vessel operation and licensing violations, according to court documents.
Horner has bonded out of jail and is scheduled for arraignment on May 5th, Charlotte County court records show.
Punta Gorda Police Chief Pam Smith emphasized the city’s commitment to safety both on land and water, calling Horner’s alleged behavior unacceptable.
Meanwhile, Towles’ attorney, Steven Leskovich, urged the public to stop sending threats to Horner and his family, asking people to let the justice system work.
Horner’s original attorney, Scott Weinberg, has since withdrawn from the case.