FLORIDA — Four people have been sentenced to a combined 38 years in prison for their roles in a multi-state burglary ring targeting Florida state parks, Attorney General James Uthmeier and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced.
The Office of Statewide Prosecution charged Chandler Parrish Ellison, Alyssa Michelle Brewer, Aaron Tyler Higgins, and Kayly Dawn Burns with racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, armed burglary, and other related offenses. Each defendant pleaded guilty to the charges.
Niceville.com Community Partner
According to the investigation, the group burglarized ranger stations across North Florida and into South Georgia beginning in the fall of 2022, stealing cash, equipment, and merchandise. The crimes also included vandalism and theft from honor boxes where visitors deposited park entry fees.
Chandler Ellison pleaded guilty on September 27, 2024, and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Alyssa Brewer pleaded guilty on December 20, 2024, and received an eight-year sentence. Kayly Burns pleaded guilty on February 13, 2025, and received seven years. Aaron Higgins pleaded guilty on March 13, 2025, and was sentenced to 11 years.
“Thanks to the cooperative work of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and our Statewide Prosecutors, four individuals who burglarized state parks will serve a collective 38 years behind bars,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier.
“Florida parks showcase and preserve the natural beauty of this state, and I thank Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Robert Miller and FWC for pursuing justice and protecting our parks.”
Niceville.com Community Partner
FWC Executive Director Roger Young added, “The collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies have been instrumental in bringing these individuals to justice and mitigating further threats to public property and visitor safety within state parks. The FWC and the Florida Attorney General’s Office remain committed to upholding the integrity of Florida’s natural resources and ensuring the safety and security of park visitors and personnel.”
People are encouraged to report violations at state parks by downloading the FWC Wildlife Alert app, texting 847411 with the keyword FWC, calling 888-404-FWCC, or submitting a tip at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
