Michael Simpson, 51, denied accusations of attempted second-degree murder a day after authorities charged him in connection with an incident involving a teenage lobster diver. Simpson said the allegations are "all lies" and "absolutely untrue" in an interview with Good Morning America.
Simpson's arrest followed claims he turned off the air supply of 18-year-old Hunter Coffer while Coffer was diving off the South Florida coast.
The incident occurred July 29 during lobster mini season, a period when recreational fishers can harvest lobsters before commercial operations begin. The dispute centered on a fishing spot.
An arrest affidavit from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office states Simpson, traveling by boat, approached Coffer's vessel at high speed, circling it several times. He then allegedly swam to Coffer's floating air tank, known as a "brownie third lung," and intentionally turned off its air supply.
Police say the incident was partly caught on camera. Coffer's boat partner pulled him to safety, and officers reported Coffer was gasping for air after his supply was cut.
Speaking with ABC News correspondent Victor Oquendo, Simpson specifically denied threatening to shut off the teen's air supply, saying, "that is 100% no."
Simpson also said he and his sons, who were with him, did not flee the scene. He said they drove slowly to another dive location approximately 100 yards away. Simpson said it has been "devastating" to be portrayed as an "animal or murderer" without reason or motivation.
At a bond hearing in Miami, a judge addressed Simpson directly, saying, "This is a very serious matter that somebody would try to turn off somebody's air tank while they are swimming, diving."
Simpson's attorney said his client will plead not guilty. The case has been transferred to the Miami-Dade State Attorney's office. A court date has not been set.
Before his arrest, Simpson had served on a Florida boating safety task force.
