A homeless Florida veteran faces multiple charges after trespassing on a luxury yacht in Miami, claiming he was protecting the vessel for President Donald Trump while causing thousands of dollars in damage and refusing police orders to leave.
Homeless Man Boards Stranger’s Yacht
Terry Eugene Roberts Jr., 51, was discovered lounging on a yacht docked on the Miami River on May 1, 2026, eating chips and drinking beverages when the boat’s owner called police to report a threatening intruder. Miami Police bodycam footage released Thursday shows Roberts calmly telling officers the yacht belonged to Trump and that he was holding it for his friend, the president. When officers asked him to leave the vessel, Roberts refused to stand up, claiming his status as a United States Army veteran gave him authority to remain onboard.
Roberts escalated his claims during the confrontation, telling police he was a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle club and had responsibilities protecting both the United States government and President Trump personally. He insisted he was guarding multiple yachts in the Miami area. Officers from the department’s marine unit boarded the yacht and aimed Tasers at Roberts, who continued refusing commands. He told police only Trump himself could remove him from the vessel before officers placed him in handcuffs.
Multiple Charges After $3,000 Damage
Authorities discovered Roberts had damaged a bedroom door on the yacht, with repair costs estimated at three thousand dollars. Police also found the vessel’s keys in his pockets during the arrest. Roberts faces charges including criminal mischief, trespassing, petty theft, and resisting an officer without violence. The arrest came just two days after Roberts was wanted for allegedly stealing a motorcycle, according to Miami Police Department records.
What This Means
The bizarre incident highlights ongoing challenges with homeless individuals in Miami’s waterfront areas and raises questions about marina security. Roberts’ claims about protecting Trump and his assertion of government connections appear unfounded based on police reports. The bodycam footage released by Miami Police shows the calm but determined refusal of lawful orders that led to his arrest. The case remains under investigation as Roberts faces multiple criminal charges stemming from both the yacht incident and the prior motorcycle theft allegation.
