Pittsburgh Man Molested Fake Florida Manatee, Police Say

ST. PETE BEACH, FL — A Pittsburgh man was arrested last week after allegedly molesting a plastic manatee outside of a bar and then throwing gator nuggets into the tavern's dining area.

Both Local 10 and NBC 6 South Florida identified the man as Anthony Lessa, 23. Pinellas County Jail records show Lessa was arrested Friday and was charged on suspicion of disorderly intoxication. He was released the next day on his own recognizance.

The alleged plastic manatee molestation occurred outside in a parking lot, according to authorities. Additionally, they said, Lessa "became physically aggressive with the employee asking him to leave and threw gator nuggets into the dining area before fleeing the scene."

The man was seen at an inn about 30 minutes later shouting obscenities at staff members before they requested he leave the inn, authorities said. The man was accused of refusing, and
deputies were called to the scene.