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A New York man faces multiple criminal charges, including animal cruelty, after allegedly capturing a tagged great white shark on the eastern shore of Cape Cod in October 2025. Christopher Stefanou, 30, appeared in Barnstable Superior Court on Wednesday for his arraignment on charges that include animal cruelty to a shark, fishing for shark, mechanical deployment of bait, attempting to capture a shark, and possession of a protected species.
The Alleged Capture of a Tagged Great White Shark
According to the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office, Stefanou and his crew traveled to Cape Cod’s eastern shore with a European client. Their goal was to capture a great white shark. The excursion lasted several days.
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During that trip, the group allegedly captured a shark known as “Aaron the Shark.” Researchers had tagged and closely monitored Aaron through a partnership between the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. The shark measures nine and a half feet in length and received its tag in 2024. Aaron also appears in the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s official white shark logbook.
Social Media Posts Led to the Investigation
Authorities learned of the alleged illegal activity after Stefanou posted video footage of the capture on social media. The video showed the men using prohibited equipment, including a drone, to capture the shark and drag it onto the beach. The group then celebrated and photographed themselves with the shark before releasing it.
Prosecutors noted that Massachusetts regulations ban shore-based shark fishing with equipment designed to lure and capture large fish species. Those rules apply specifically to protected species such as the great white shark. Furthermore, the regulations exist to protect the public by preventing practices that intentionally draw prohibited species closer to shore.
Bail Conditions and Court Restrictions
The court set Stefanou’s bail at $10,000. In addition, the judge ordered him to surrender his fishing licence and remove the social media video showing the capture. He cannot post any further videos related to the incident. He must also stay out of Massachusetts, except when attending court proceedings.
Beyond those conditions, Stefanou cannot fish, operate a boat, or use drones in Massachusetts waters. He also cannot post publicly about the case. His next court appearance at Barnstable Superior Court is scheduled for December.
Defense Attorney Maintains Client’s Innocence
Stefanou’s attorney, Jon A. Ciraulo, defended his client in a statement to CBS News. He described Stefanou as “a skilled and accomplished angler with more than a decade of experience.” Ciraulo added that his client actively participates in conservation efforts, assists with marine tagging and research, and volunteers time to educate others on responsible angling.
“The charges against Chris are allegations only,” Ciraulo said. “He maintains his innocence and intends to fully challenge the allegations against him.” The case now moves toward a December hearing, where prosecutors and the defense will continue their legal arguments over the alleged great white shark capture.
