Woman wanted for "molesting" manatee turns herself in | News

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida -- The woman wanted by police for harassing and riding on a manatee at Fort DeSoto Park has turned herself in.

Ana Gloria Garcia Gutierrez, 52, called the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office shortly after 4 p.m. to turn herself in.

Deputies say she admitted to riding on the manatee. Gutierrez told deputies she's new to the area and didn't realize it was against the law to touch or harass the creature.

Photo Gallery: Pictures of the woman on top of the manatee

According to the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, "It is unlawful for any person at any time, by any means, or in any manner, intentionally or negligently to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb or attempt to molest, harass, or disturb any Manatee."

Police say while no manatees appear to have been injured, violating the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act is a second degree misdemeanor.

The sheriff's office says charges will be forwarded to the State Attorney's Office for prosecution.

Watch 10 News tonight, beginning at 5. We hope to have an interview with Gutierrez. You can also watch us online at wtsp.com.

WATCH: Live Video from WTSP.com

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