By: Associated Press

September 23, 2016

ISLAMORADA, Fla. (AP) -- Authorities say a Florida Keys man has been arrested for riding and harassing manatees in Islamorada.

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission report say 47-year-old James Massengale Jr. was arrested Friday after witnesses saw him touching two adult manatees and their calves around Islamorada Library Beach.

The report says Massengale -- a homeless, self-described student preacher in Key Largo -- told witnesses he was riding the animals.

Massengale was arrested and charged with molesting a manatee after saying he would not report to court and asked to go to jail. He was being held at Monroe County jail on $25,000 bail.

Jail records didn't list an attorney for Massengale.