Cacace v. State

Appellant was convicted of possession of cannabis in excess of 100 pounds. Our study of the record convinces us that the initial stopping of appellant’s vessel was improper thus requiring a reversal of the conviction.

Prompted by a report from the Sheriff’s Office of a suspicious boat run aground in the St. Lucie Inlet, law enforcement officers proceeded to the area, encountered a boat which was moving slowing and stopped it. When the boat was stopped one officer noticed a light brown stain on the gunnel area of the boat, possibly attributable to marijuana. When questioned whether the boat was…