Disturbing social media posts led directly to criminal charges for three men who reveled in dragging an injured shark behind a boat in Florida.

The video was recorded in June off Egmont Key in Tampa Bay, quickly catching the attention and outrage of thousands. A quarter-million people signed a petition demanding criminal charges for the group in the aftermath.

But the post also only shows part of the story. After hooking the blacknose shark, one of the men shot it with a revolver, according to the Tampa Bay Times. After being goaded on by his companions, the men shot it three more times. They then hooked the shark up to a rope and dragged it through the water, while it may have still been alive.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers conducted a four-month investigation, during which they confirmed numerous criminal charges.

The FWC identified the suspects and charges as follows:

Michael Wenzel of Palmetto, Florida

• Two felony counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty (Third-degree felony).
• One misdemeanor count of Illegal Method of Take – Shark (Second-degree misdemeanor).

Robert Lee Benac of Bradenton, Florida

• Two felony counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty (Third-degree felony).
• One misdemeanor count of Illegal Method of Take – Shark (Second-degree misdemeanor).

Spencer Heintz of Palmetto, Florida

• Two felony counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty (Third-degree felony).

A fourth man who was on the boat is not being tried in the case.

“As we’ve said since this video and other images came to light, these actions have no place in Florida, where we treasure and conserve our natural resources for everyone,” stated Commission Chairman Bo Rivard in a release. “We appreciate the patience and support of the public as our law enforcement investigators worked with the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office to identify a number of serious violations that will be brought to the courts for adjudication. It is our hope these charges will send a clear message to others that this kind of behavior involving our fish and wildlife will not be tolerated.

The public can help by reporting suspected violations to the FWC. To make a report, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or text [email protected].