Two Florida Keys residents appeared in Miami federal court Monday, charged with illegally harvesting $11,400 worth of spiny lobsters from an artificial habitat placed in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

The suspects in an anti-poaching investigation dubbed Operation Frost Bite, John Buckheim and Nick Demauro, both 23, intentionally sank a vessel and trailer in protected waters to lure the tasty crustaceans, according to the indictment.

Then, over a six-month period between the summer of 2008 and early 2009, the men collected lobsters from the illegal habitat they had placed in about 25 feet of water south of Sammy's Creek Bridge on Sugarloaf Key, which is near Mile Marker 20 of U.S. 1.

They collected the lobsters both before and during the lawful commercial harvest season. The men froze their out-of-season lobsters, and later sold them to a Key West fish house once the commercial season opened on Aug. 6, 2008.

They also sold the harvest taken during the legitimate season to the fish house.

The indictment alleges the men also displayed a commercial dive placard on Buckheim's 17-foot Pathfinder during the legitimate lobster season, although they did not have the appropriate license.

The men face five federal counts: four of violating the Lacey Act and one of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act. Maximum penalty is five years imprisonment for each offense.

Buckheim also faces forfeiture of his boat and a pick-up truck used in the alleged scheme. Trial is scheduled for Oct. 5 in Key West.

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