Tips sought in search for missing Bokeelia man
April 07, 2020

Hit and run driver sought in Lehigh
March 06, 2020

Reward increased in 2002 cold case
February 24, 2020

UPDATE - Murder suspect added to 10 Most Wanted list
February 24, 2020

Location of Lee County man sought for interview
February 20, 2020

Home invasion robbers still on the run
January 30, 2020

UPDATE - Search is on for Lee County bank robber
January 15, 2020

** UPDATE #1 **

Yesterday afternoon, the man who detectives say robbed a Lee County bank in August 2019 was formally charged and is awaiting extradition to Fort Myers.

On August 9, 2019, an unknown male walked into the BB&T Bank, located at 12971 McGregor Boulevard, and passed a note to the teller, demanding all the cash in her drawer.  He claimed to be armed, but did not display a weapon. The clerk complied and handed over an undisclosed amount of cash, after which the suspect fled the area on foot.

Last month, detectives with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office developed Ismael Alvarez Martin (DOB 1/21/96) as a suspect in a bank robbery that occurred in their jurisdiction. They immediately noticed similarities to the suspect in the robbery of the BB&T Bank in Fort Myers on August 9, and reached out to detectives in Lee County, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  FBI Special Agent Baumgartner immediately coordinated efforts with investigators from Lee, Collier, Polk, Brevard and St. Lucie Counties to compare notes on similar bank robberies from their communities.  A few days later, a multi-agency meeting was held at the local FBI office, during which Martin was confirmed as being a suspect in nine bank robberies around the state which occurred between May 25, 2019 and November 30, 2019.

On Thursday, January 9, information was received by Lee County detectives that Martin’s vehicle was spotted in Naples.  Collier County detectives quickly responded and were able to detain Martin and ultimately charge him with one count of robbery from their county.  That evening, Lee County detectives drove down to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and interviewed Martin, who provided a full confession to his involvement in the Lee County robbery.  An arrest warrant has now been obtained and was served on Martin yesterday afternoon.  Once he is released from the Collier County Jail, he will be extradited back to Lee County to face charges here. In addition to the local arrests, Martin may also face additional charges from other jurisdictions.

Martin’s arrest is a testament to the value of information sharing and how a multi-agency coordinated effort can help with the apprehension of violent offenders.

ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE:  08/09/2019 

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying and tracking down an unidentified suspect who held up a Lee County bank this afternoon.

Shortly after 3 p.m., the male suspect walked into the BB&T Bank, located at 12971 McGregor Boulevard.  He immediately approached a teller and passed a note claiming that he had a gun and demanded money.  After receiving an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect fled the bank on foot.

Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).  All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.  Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.

UPDATE - Suspect named in fatal hit and run
January 14, 2020

Hunt is on for Lehigh dog killer
January 12, 2020

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying and tracking down an unknown suspect who has poisoned and killed at least three dogs in Lehigh Acres.

The incidents started on Christmas Day, when a witness noticed a male laying out trays of dog food near a friend’s house on Leroy Avenue.  Upon inspection, several cans of dog food in a clear liquid were left in the tins.  The homeowner threw the food out, only to find additional trays of food four days later on December 29th.  She again threw the food out.  However that evening, her one year old hound mix named Ruby became violenty ill.  After nursing her for several days, Ruby passed away on Thursday, January 9.

The second confirmed incident occurred on Tuesday, January 7 on Grayson Avenue.  The victim said he left the family’s five year old pitt bull named Goliath in their fenced back yard, as they routinely did.  At 10:30 a.m., Goliath was his usual healthy self, but when the victim returned home at 3 p.m. that day, he found Goliath passed away in the backyard. 

Then, on Wednesday, January 8, a one year old pitt bull named Nala got loose from her property in the neighborhood of E. 21st Street for a short time, but upon returning home, she became suddenly ill and passed away.  According to the family veterinarian, Nala had high level of an unknown substance in her liver.  It is suspected that the perpetrator may be using antifreeze to poison the animals.

“It is of the utmost importance that we find this suspect immediately,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator.  “Someone is maliciously killing family pets and we need to identify and apprehend him before any other dogs fall prey to this guy.”

Detectives believe that the same person is responsible for all three reported deaths.  He is described as a light skinned male, 5’8” – 5’9”, with a closely trimmed beard and driving a newer dark green Corvette.  Anyone who has seen anyone who fits this description is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).  All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.  Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.

Hendry fugitive sought in connection with series of North Fort Myers burglaries
January 01, 2020

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help tracking down a Hendry County fugitive who is a person of interest in at least six recent burglaries in the Timberbend Communities of North Fort Myers.

Detectives are anxious to speak with Michael Williams (DOB 11/14/85) about his possible connection to the break-ins and thefts that all occurred between midnight and 6 a.m. on Tuesday, December 10th.  In total, thousands of dollars worth of items, including a golf cart, chain saw, laptop, Yeti coolers and expensive fishing poles, were taken from the vehicles and boats at multiple residences.  Williams is suspected of using the stolen golf cart to maneuver around the neighborhoods where he is believed to have stolen all the items.  Williams is no stranger to a life of crime, with prior arrests in Lee, Levy and Hendry Counties.  He currently has an active warrant out of Hendry County on drug related charges.

Williams is 5’8”, 200 pounds and may be trying to lay low in the Pine Island area.  Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).  All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.  Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.

UPDATE - Suspect sought in series of similar crimes
December 26, 2019

** UPDATE #1 **

Thanks to the public’s help, combined with quick work from detectives, Finlay has been located and will be booked this evening in the Lee County Jail.  Crime Stoppers appreciates the support from the community in tracking him down.

ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE:  DECEMBER 26, 2019

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help tracking down a Lee County man who is accused of stealing keys and breaking into cars at local gyms over the last two weeks.

Detectives say Evan Finlay (DOB 4/3/91) is responsible for a series of break-ins at three different gyms.  In each instance, he removed car keys from a common area and broke into previously locked cars, stealing cash, credit cards, wallets, personal identification and other valuables.  The first incident occurred at Generation Fitness, located at 10970 S. Cleveland Avenue.  The victim said she placed her keys on a board, along with other members keys, before starting her work out.  About an hour later, she received an alert from the bank indicating that her cards were being used in a suspicious manner.  After retreating to her car, which was locked when she left it, she found that her wallet, credit cards and cash had all been stolen.

The second incident linked to Finlay took place on December 17th at Crunch Fitness, located at 16230 Summerlin Road.  Upon entering the gym, the victim left her keys on a holder, along with other keys, while she worked out.  About an hour later she returned, only to find her keys missing.  When she went out to her car, she found it unlocked, with the keys left in the passenger cup holder.  What was missing, however, was her purse and credit cards.  In the brief hour that she was away from her car, her credit cards had been used at a nearby Publix and Walgreens store for the purchase of multiple gift cards, totaling more than $1,100.

The last incident occurred on December 19th, at the Planet Fitness, located at 15501 Old McGregor Boulevard.  Again, the victim left his keys behind the front desk, with other keys, only to return a short time later to find them missing.  When he went out to his car, he found it unlocked and rifled through, however no valuables were left in the car, and nothing was taken. 

This morning, charges were filed against Finlay for his involvement in all three incidents, with charges to include multiple conveyance burglaries, fraudulent use of credit cards, grand theft, petit theft, dealing in stolen property and providing false information to a pawn broker.  Finlay may be driving a black Chevy, possibly a Cobalt, with a Virginia tag.  Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Evan Finlay is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).  All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.  Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.

Tips needed to ID attempted robbery suspect
December 20, 2019

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying and tracking down a man who attempted to rob a Lehigh Acres convenience store last night.

Just before 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19th, the suspect walked into the 7-Eleven convenience store, located at 4325 Lee Boulevard.  He initially approached the cashier with a basket full of chips and asked for a price check.  He then walked back towards the aisles, allowing other customers in the store to complete their transactions.  Once all customers left, the suspect walked up to the cashier again, this time demanding all the money from the register.  When the victim advised him that she couldn’t open the drawer without a transaction, the suspect became agitated and reached for something in his waistband that the victim believed resembled a firearm.  The victim told the suspect that police were on the way, prompting him to leave the store on foot, headed eastbound on Lee Boulevard.

One witness said he observed the suspect standing in front of the store for approximately 30 minutes before going inside, possibly looking for cameras outside the building.  A second witness began to chase the suspect after he left the store, but quickly disengaged after he saw the would-be robber reach for what looked like a firearm in his waistband.

Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).  All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.  Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.

'Most Wanted' fugitive apprehended after more than 7 years on the run
December 19, 2019

A violent offender who has been on the run for seven and a half years is finally in police custody and enroute back to the United States.

Dean Trevil (DOB 1/11/85) was taken down by members of the US Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force on Monday morning after an extensive investigation led them to Boca Chica, Dominican Republic.  Trevil had been on the run since April 2, 2012 on a bench warrant for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and kidnapping.  His original arrest was on January 11, 2011 when he was charged with bringing an acquaintance to a shed, tying him up with an extension cord and beating him repeatedly over the course of two days, in retaliation for a suspected theft.  When the victim was returned home by Trevil, the beatings continued, leaving the man with a collection of broken bones and other serious injuries.  Trevil spent only eight days in jail, after being allowed to bond out.  After he failed to show up for a court hearing, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest and, until earlier this week, he managed to evade law enforcement authorities for years.

Monday’s arrest is the culmination of tireless work and cooperation between the Fort Myers-based US Marshals Task Force, the US Marshals Dominican Republic Office, as well as the Dominican Republic Office of National Drug Control.  Members of the Lee County Sheriff’s Offices Fugitive Warrants Unit, who are members of the Task Force, travelled on Sunday to the Dominican Republic and were a vital part of Trevil’s long awaited arrest.

“The arrest of one of our longest standing fugitives on the 10 Most Wanted list is huge,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator.  “When these hardened criminals find themselves on the radar of the US Marshals Task Force, it’s not a matter of if they will be arrested, it’s a matter of when.  Dean Trevil’s time ran out this week and later tonight, he will begin reacquainting himself with a jail cell.”

Trevil is currently in flight back to the United States and, after being processed through US Customs, will arrive in downtown Fort Myers late tonight where he will be booked and held without bond.

Additional photos released of rooftop burglar
December 04, 2019

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying and tracking down a man who has burglarized several businesses in Lee County, Florida. 

Over the past month, Lee County has had several restaurant rooftop burglaries in strip malls.  During the burglaries, the subject gains access to the roof and enters the business via an air conditioning duct.  The subject damages the ceiling tiles and takes cash from the register and main office.  We believe the subject drives a dark colored vehicle possibly equipped with a ladder.  It is believed that he uses the I-75 corridor to target businesses between the hours of midnight and 4:00 a.m.  At this time, the make/model of the vehicle is unknown.  The subject is a tall, slim, white male wearing a long sleeve hoodie.

Crime Stoppers is asking all business owners to be proactive and vigilant.  The subject is suspected of waiting for businesses to close and then enters from the rooftop. 

Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).  All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.  Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.

Surveillance photos taken from 11/17/2019 Heavenly Pizza and T-Mobile 15201 N. Cleveland Ave

Surveillance photos taken on 11/25/2019 from Patinella's Chicken Grill located at 6810 Shoppes at Plantation

Surveillance photos taken on 11/30/2019 from Marsala Pizza located at 20321 Grande Oaks Shoppes Blvd.

Student tips sought in school threat
November 15, 2019

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the assistance of local students to help track down the person responsible for a written threat at Riverdale High School earlier this week.

During the lunch hour on Wednesday, November 13, a student at Riverdale reported seeing a threat written on a soap dispenser in one of the boys restrooms. The message was penned in black magic marker and stated “finna shoot the school.” School Resource Officers and detectives immediately started investigating the threat, which was proven to be non-credible. However, the case will not be closed until the student responsible is identified and charged accordingly.

“The message about the seriousness of making school threats is loud and clear. Every single one of these actions is treated with the highest level of priority, to ensure that our schools are safe,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. “Yesterday’s tragic event in California is a sad reminder that students always need to be on the lookout for any kind of suspicious activity or behavior and to be sure to report instances like the threat at Riverdale High School to Crime Stoppers, completely anonymously.  We hope that parents will take this opportunity to revisit this conversation with their teenagers so that they are absolutely clear about the consequences that can follow.”

Anyone with information on the written threat at Riverdale is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.

Anonymous tip leads to arrest of groping suspect
October 29, 2019

Thanks to an anonymous tip to Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers, the man accused of inappropriately groping several women over the last week is now behind bars.

Within the last 10 minutes, Dominic Sforza (DOB 9/10/96) was arrested and charged with three counts of battery.  His booking comes on the heels of several women reporting to law enforcement that a strange man approached them and began touching them inappropriately.  All of the incidents occurred during the daylight hours and in public places, to include the parking lots of large stores, as well as a fast food restaurant.  Within a few hours of an anonymous tip being made to Crime Stoppers, victims met with detectives and were able to positively identify Sforza as their attacker.  Additional charges could be forthcoming.

“There should never be a time when residents are afraid to conduct daily business,” said Sheriff Carmine Marceno. “Our team worked around the clock with the community to help identify this suspect and quickly bring him into custody.” 

Crime Stoppers thanks the community for its swift call to action, which made all the difference in this case.

Two years later, answers still sought in Bonita homicide
October 29, 2019

Today marks two years since 34 year old Sarah Nicolson was killed in her Bonita Springs home.  And although one person has been arrested in connection with her murder, the actual killer or killers are still at large and Crime Stoppers needs the public’s help tracking them down.

Deputies were initially called to Nicholson’s Squire Lane home around 6 a.m. on Sunday, October 29, 2017 in response to a residential fire. Shortly after arriving on scene, Nicholson’s body was found inside the home, the apparent victim of a homicide.  More than seven months later, Cristian Dilan was arrested in connection with the incident and was charged with burglary, robbery and accomplice after the fact to second degree murder.  Dilan still remains in custody this morning for his role in the crime, while the person or persons ultimately responsible for Nicholson’s death have yet to be held accountable for their actions.

“Sarah’s friends and family are still waiting for the day that justice will be served,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. “We are confident there are people who know far more than they’ve shared with law enforcement to date.  Two years have passed – the time is now to finally be forthcoming with whatever information you may have that could be integral with moving this case forward and providing the answers to help solve a homicide.”

Anyone with information on the murder of Sarah Nicholson is asked to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.  Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.

Suspect sought in early morning armed robbery
October 29, 2019

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying and tracking down an unidentified suspect who robbed a Lee County 7-Eleven store early this morning.

Around 3:15 this morning, the suspect entered the 7-Eleven convenience store, located at 15021 McGregor Boulevard, holding a machete in one hand and a blue bag in the other.  He immediately jumped over the counter and demanded cash from all the registers.  After the clerk complied and cleared the drawers of an undisclosed amount of cash, the masked man left the store and headed southbound on McGregor.  The entire armed robbery took less than two minutes.

Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).  All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.  Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.

Student tips needed following middle school threat
October 18, 2019

Answers still sought one year after Bell Tower shootings
October 09, 2019

Today marks one year since two men were murdered, and two others injured, in a spray of gunfire at the Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers.  And now, one year later, Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is making a renewed push for tips that could finally lead to the arrest of the person or persons responsible.

During the evening hours of October 9, 2018, 56 year-old Kevin Robinson and his step-son 22 year old Javarcia Riggins were having dinner at TGI Friday’s with family members.  After dinner, the two men briefly stepped outside the restaurant and were immediately met with gunfire.  Both Robinson and Riggins were killed as a result, and two others were injured that night.  Although some witness accounts provided some information as to what transpired that night, the person or persons responsible are still at large.  Given the sizeable number of people who were in the area at the Bell Tower at the time, Crime Stoppers is hoping that someone will come forward anonymously to help paint a clearer picture and ultimately, help track down one or more killers.

“That night was very hectic and people were understandably panicked about what had just happened. For that reason, some potential witnesses may have been hesitant to share what they saw or heard,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. “But here we are, one year later, and the family who lost two loved ones that night deserve to see justice served. Our community deserves to see justice served. And all it takes is for someone to have the bravery to come forward, completely anonymously, to share what they know.”

Anyone with information on the October 9, 2018 shootings at the Bell Tower Shops is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.