Palmetto Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Disposal of a Deceased Body

Tampa, Florida - Matthew Edward Zoladz (37, Palmetto) has pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, and one count of violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. Zoladz will be sentenced on January 20, 2027. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on or about December 7, 2022, Zoladz and Victim 1 engaged in drug use together, during which time Victim 1 overdosed and passed away. Zoladz drove around with Victim 1's unconscious or deceased body in the front seat of his vehicle and took a video of Victim 1. On or about December 8, 2022, Zoladz was scheduled to work as a deckhand on a vessel. Prior to the departure of the vessel, Zoladz wrapped Victim 1's body in a plastic trash bag and loaded Victim 1's body onto the ship. That evening, while the ship was out at sea, Zoladz dumped the plastic trash bag containing Victim 1's body into ocean waters.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abigail K. King and E. Jackson Boggs, Jr.