John Edward Laroche (born 19 February 1962 in Florida) was arrested for alleged orchid poaching when working for the Seminole Indians in the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve in Florida.[1] The subsequent trial brought him to the attention of Susan Orlean who wrote an article for New Yorker[2] and the book The Orchid Thief about him.[1]
Laroche's intent was to expose a loophole in the law that allowed the Seminole Indians to remove endangered species from the swamp.[2] He accepted a plea deal that resulted in him being sentenced to six months' probation and a fine.[2] "I figured that we'd get what we needed out of the Fakahatchee and at the same time we'd bring so much attention to the law that the legislature would change it. I timed it so that it would be in time for the legislative session. That's what I want to say in court. I want to say that the state needs to protect itself."[2]
He was played by Chris Cooper in the film Adaptation.,[3] a portrayal that earned Cooper an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.