If you have any information about these crimes or any person(s) involved, you are urged to call SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or click the Submit a Tip button to anonymously provide information. We want your information, not your name! We will pay a cash reward of up to $3,000 if your tip leads to an arrest.
Manhunt widens for alleged drug trafficker
January 10, 2023
STATUS: WANTED
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers needs the public's help tracking down a Hendry County fugitive accused of trafficking more than 48 pounds of fentanyl and 380 pounds of meth throughout the state of Florida.
Efren Berumen, Jr. (DOB 4/12/83) has been eluding law enforcement for his role in a massive drug operation that has already resulted in the arrest of 25 individuals. Operation 13 Tiers was announced last fall after investigators revealed that Carlos Martinez, a Florida prison inmate, and his co-conspirators were instructing gang members with information to move large shipments of narcotics across the United States and into Florida for distribution. Over the course of the investigation, local, state and federal agents seized large shipments to include the fentanyl, meth, heroin, morphine, 45 guns, $150,000 cash and 15,000 additional fentanyl pills. Investigators allege Martinez used a cell phone from behind bars to give orders to 24 of his co-conspirators - all of whom have been arrested and charged with more than 60 first-degree felonies of drug trafficking and violent crimes, to include conspiracy to commit murder. Berumen is the sole suspect who has managed to evade capture since a warrant for his arrest was issued in Hendry County last August.
"Efren Berumen is accused of playing a key role in the distribution of these highly lethal drugs into communities across our state," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Manager. "While it is a win that nearly all of the other individuals involved have been arrested, it is of paramount importance that Berumen is brought into custody so that we can be assured that he isn't continuing to peddle dangerous drugs into nearly every crevice of the state."
Detectives say Berumen has ties to Southwest Florida, but could be laying low in Tampa, Orlando or Miami to keep himself from going to prison. He often is referred to by his street name of "Brownie." Anyone who has seen Berumen, or has 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 on the P3 Tips app.
Tips needed to ID suspicious males lurking around several jewelry stores
December 16, 2022
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help identifying two men who appear to be working in tandem tampering power breakers at several local jewelry stores.
The first incident was reported on December 3rd at Bradley's Fine Jewelers, located at 14260 S. Tamiami Trail in Fort Myers. Shortly after 8 p.m., an unknown male went to the back of the business and began inspecting the businesses power meters, while appearing to be speaking to someone on the phone. After employees left for the night, the male went to the power breaker and turned off the power to the business. Fortunately, no entry was gained into the business. The next day, on December 4th, an unidentified person turned off the breaker at Tio's Jewelry, located at 110 NE 2nd Place in Cape Coral, after the store closed for the evening. Again, no entry was made into the building. Surveillance cameras did not capture images of the person involved, but did spot a white sedan that the person of interest was likely driving.
On December 5th, the same male spotted at Bradley's Fine Jewelers two days prior was seen on camera at Noe's Jewelry, located at 4808 Cape Coral Street in downtown Cape Coral. Video shows the male walking around the rear of the business and looking at the circuit breakers. He spent only a few minutes at the breaker panel before he left. He was wearing the same Adidas ball cap and Nike Air Maxx shoes as he did in the December 3rd incident. Then, two days later on December 7th, a suspicious male was observed on security cameras behind Noe's Jewelry again. The male pulled on the power breaker locks in the same location as the male who was there previously. This individual appeared to be on the phone for the entire time that he was casing out the establishment.
Detectives believe that both males are working as a team. Both men appear to be well disciplined enough to wear gloves during the incidents. Over the past few months, several business burglaries have occurred in Central Florida using the same tactics, and it is possible that these two men could be associated with that operation. Anyone with information on the identity of either of these males 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 P3 Tips app.
Tips needed to solve murder of Trenesa Roberts
December 09, 2022
Tomorrow will mark four years since a Lehigh Acres mother was gunned down in front of her home, and Crime Stoppers needs the public's help identifying her killer.
Trenesa Roberts left her Quentin Avenue S. home around 6:30 a.m. on December 10, 2018 on her way to work as a Lee County bus monitor. However after taking just a few steps from her front door, an unknown assailant shot her, leaving her for dead in her yard. Over the last four years, investigators have looked into every lead, however her case still remains unsolved. Trenesa left behind four children, as well as many family members and close friends who are still hoping to get closure.
"We know that people have talked amongst themselves about this case, but we've yet to receive the anonymous tip that can move it closer to an arrest," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Manager. "We are confident there are people in our community who know far more than they've shared to this point. Four years have passed, and we are hopeful that Trenesa's family doesn't have to go another year without answers and without seeing justice for a woman they loved and admired so much."
Anyone with information on the murder of Trenesa Roberts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3 Tips app. All callers will remain anonymous and if a tip leads to an arrest, we'll pay a cash reward of $3,000.
Armed Robbery in Lehigh
November 16, 2022
STATUS: OPEN
During the early morning hours of November 16, 2022, an armed robbery occurred at the 7-Eleven located at 55 Joel Boulevard in Lehigh Acres. The suspect entered the victim's vehicle brandishing a firearm and demanded the victim's cash. The suspect took the victims debit card and fled the scene.
Anyone with information is urged to contact SWFL Crime Stoppers. You will remain anonymous and eligible for a cash reward of up to $3000.
Searching for suspects in Family Dollar robbery
October 18, 2022
STATUS: OPEN
On October 17, 2022, at approximately 8:21 p.m., Lee County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to an in-progress robbery at the Family Dollar located at 3519 Lee Boulevard in Lehigh.
A black male whose face was covered and wearing black shirt and blue shirt and a black male wearing a blue hoodie, black pants and white shoes entered the business and demanded money from the clerk. The suspect threatened to shoot the victim if he did not comply. No weapon was displayed. The suspect in the black shirt went behind the counter and took undisclosed amount of money from the register and also entered an enclosed glass cabinet and removed several packs of Newport cigarettes. Both suspects left the business heading westbound.
Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspects are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. 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.
Written threat of violence at The Alva School
March 02, 2022
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for students to speak up following a written threat of violence at The Alva School on Tuesday afternoon.
At the end of the school day on March 1st, janitors at the Alva School found a concerning message written on the wall of the middle school boy’s restroom. Deputies were immediately notified and performed a full sweep of the school, with negative results. Crime Stoppers and school officials are now hoping that students will do the right thing and share whatever information they have on who made the written threat. Students and parents reporting information to Crime Stoppers will always remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward. But most importantly, sharing that information is a critical role in helping keep our schools safe.
Making a false threat of violence can be punishable with a felony charge, a consequence which can have lasting negative impacts for students. Crime Stoppers encourages parents to have open lines of communication with their students about the consequences of making false threats, as well as the importance of reporting information anonymously about students making these false threats.
Anyone with information on the person responsible for The Alva School threat 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.
Reporting threats is key to keeping schools safe
February 14, 2022
STATUS: OPEN
As the nation takes pause today to reflect on the four years that have passed since the deadly shootings at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, Crime Stoppers is encouraging parents to sit down with their students to discuss the importance of reporting suspicious activity or threats of violence on campus.
When students hear of threats being made in their schools, or when they become aware of peers with weapons or plans to incite violence, there is only one truly anonymous place to report that information - Crime Stoppers. Students can use the hotline, the website or the user-friendly mobile app to report information quickly. Once an anonymous tip is received, it is immediately sent to the appropriate law enforcement agency and/or school to be investigated, 24/7. All tips remain 100 percent anonymous, so students have no fear of retaliation for reporting the information. There is also reward money for tips that lead to some type of school action. There are no other sources that can provide that level of anonymity.
Additionally, though unfortunate, school districts throughout Southwest Florida are seeing an increasing number of threats of violence or harm being made by students on campus. While most of these incidents have been determined to be fake, every single threat must been treated with the highest priority and fully investigated by law enforcement to ensure the safety of students. Some students have been arrested for making these fake threats, charged with felony crimes that will stymie their efforts in the future to secure good jobs or even spots in the college of their choice. It is equally important in these circumstances that students come forward, anonymously, with information on the students perpetrating these fake threats.
Communication is key to ensure that threats are being reported on a timely basis, and that students responsible for making false threats are held responsible for their actions.
"On this day especially, we encourage parents to have the conversation with their students on why it's critical that they speak up and report what they know about these crimes to Crime Stoppers," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "The timely sharing of that information could be key to halting a heartbreaking disaster."
The Crime Stoppers hotline can be accessed 24/7 at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3 Tips mobile app. All callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.
Man wanted in early morning armed robbery
January 17, 2022
STATUS: OPEN
On January 17, 2022, at approximately 4:00 a.m., the suspect entered the 7-Eleven located at 1626 Meadow Road in Lehigh Acres. The suspect showed the victim a firearm hidden in the front pocket of a hoodie-sweatshirt as the suspect demanded the money from the cash register. The victim complied and the suspect immediately fled on foot with approximately $50.00 in cash.
The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, and a thin build with short hair. The suspect was wearing a surgical mask, a gray hoodie, dark sweatpants and white/gray shoes.
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 on the P3Tips mobile app.
UPDATE - Suspects sought after airsoft gun attack
December 13, 2021
STATUS: ARRESTED
** UPDATE # 1 **
Two arrested in connection to Whiskey Creek shooting
ORIGINAL RELEASE: DECEMBER 13, 2021
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help tracking down a vehicle which was involved in an airsoft gun shooting in the Whiskey Creek community Sunday evening.
Just before 6 p.m. on December 12th, the victim was walking her dog in the area of Whiskey Creek Drive when a white sedan with four black male passengers pulled up and fired multiple rounds of plastic pellets at the victim. The vehicle fled the scene and the victim was treated for minor injuries. The vehicle is believed to have an aftermarket spoiler and could be a Toyota.
Anyone who was in that area around 6 p.m. last night and recognizes the vehicle, or has any information on the suspects, 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 P3 Tips mobile app.
Attempted Robbery by Sudden Snatching
December 02, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
The individual is a suspect for in attempted robbery by sudden snatching, which occurred on December 1, 2021, at 10801 Corkscrew Road in Estero. An unknown black male requested to look at jewelry in Saks Off Fifth Ave. When the store clerk took the jewelry from the case, the male reached over and grabbed two necklaces from the clerk's hands. The male suspect attempted to leave the store with over $40,000 in jewelry, but several store clerks intervened. A fight ensued and the clerks were able to get the jewelry back.
The suspect is described as a black male, wearing teal scrubs and a medical mask. The male fled the store and ran north bound through the Springs apartment complex.
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 southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
Armed robber remains at large
November 10, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help tracking down an armed suspect from a late night robbery in the area of 18100 San Carlos Boulevard in Fort Myers. The pictured vehicle’s may have been involved.
On November 9, 2021, at approximately 11:38 p.m., the victim was walking northbound on San Carlos Boulevard and was approached by an unknown black male, wearing a black ski mask. The unknown male brandished a handgun and demanded money. The victim complied with his demands, and proceeded to hit her over the head with the handgun. The male entered into the passenger side of a newer model white sedan with dark tinted windows, traveling southbound on San Carlos Boulevard.
If anyone has any information or can provide any assistance with identifying one or both of the vehicles, please call Crime Stoppers 24/7 at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app. All callers will always remain anonymous and if your tip leads to an arrest, we'll pay a cash reward of up to $3,000.
Postcards hoped to generate new leads in Lauren Dumolo case
October 27, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers has some new mailers headed to residents in South Cape Coral, in hopes of generating new leads in the Lauren Dumolo case.
Postcards asking for information in Lauren's case are scheduled to hit mailboxes in the South Cape Coral area today. Crime Stoppers has sent 3,000 postcards to residents and businesses located in the vicinity where Lauren used to live and spend her time. The hope is that one of these postcards will encourage someone who has information about her disappearance to finally step up and share what they know. Lauren went missing from her South Cape home in June 2020 and hasn't been seen or heard from since.
"Along with Lauren's friends and family, we remain hopeful that there is someone who knows more than they've shared so far, and that maybe they have finally arrived at the spot where they're willing to talk," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. " As a community, we need to do everything we can to find Lauren."
Anyone with information about the disappearance of Lauren Dumolo is asked to call Crime Stoppers 24/7 at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app. All callers will always remain anonymous and if your tip leads to an arrest, we'll pay a cash reward of up to $3,000.
Bank robbery suspect sought
October 13, 2021
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help identifying and tracking down a man accused of robbing a south Lee County bank earlier this afternoon.
Shortly after 1:30 p.m., a black male walked into the BB&T branch located at 20280 Grande Oak Boulevard and presented the teller with a check that he wanted to cash. Just as the money was placed on the counter, the teller realized that the account the check was drawn on was actually closed. At that point, the suspect grabbed the cash and left the bank, fleeing the area in a black Chevy Equinox SUV.
The suspect in today's robbery is also a person of interest in several other similar crimes which have occurred both in Lee County and throughout the state over the last few months, and as recently as two days ago. 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 on the P3Tips mobile app.
Reward increased to $20,000 in 2018 homicide
September 27, 2021
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is hoping that an increased reward and a new billboard will bring renewed focus to the murder of a young mother which remains unsolved nearly three and a half years later.
Destiney Bocanegra was gunned down in front of a home in Bonita Springs, near Matheson Avenue and Goodwin Street, in April 2018. When gunfire rang out, the 25 year old mother stood in front of her four year old son to protect him. Sadly, Destiney lost her life in the process. She was also pregnant with her second child at the time of the murder.
Over the last three years, some tips have come in on Destiney's case, however Crime Stoppers is hoping that additional reward money will be the key to someone coming forward. The reward in Destiney's case has now been increased to $20,000 - with $3,000 coming from Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers, $6,500 from the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers, and $10,500 coming from Destiney's family. Late last week, a billboard was also posted in the area of US 41 and Old 41 in Bonita, asking for tips to help solve this case.
Anyone with information on the murder of Destiney Bocanegra 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 $20,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
UPDATE - Prolific offender wanted in Lee County
September 13, 2021
STATUS: ARRESTED
Thanks to a brave tipster, Christopher Worrell was arrested last night, 9/14/2021, and is waking up in the Lee County Jail. Great work by all involved.
Crime Stoppers is truly appreciative of your support!
ORIGINAL RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 13, 2021
Christopher Ryan Worrell, DOB 3/24/1988, is a suspect in multiple high dollar thefts from Home Depot. At this time, Worrell has 8 active warrants. He is wanted on 7 counts grand theft and petit theft 2nd or more, which are all related to the Home Depot thefts. His whereabouts are unknown at this time, but Worrell is believed to be a transient in the area of Fort Myers.
Worrell has previous arrests for burglary, larceny, dealing in stolen property, false name to LEO, trespassing, grand theft auto, resisting, loitering & prowling and possession of a controlled substance. Anyone with information on Worrell's 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 southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
Armed suspects sought in late night robbery
August 15, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help tracking down two armed suspects from a late night robbery in North Fort Myers last night.
Shortly after 10:00 p.m. on August 14th, employees closed the Dollar General, located at 4055 Hancock Bridge Parkway, for the evening. As they were walking to their cars, which were parked in the front of the building, two black males, armed with handguns, approached the employees. One employee was restrained outside the business by one of the two suspects, while the second employee was forced to unlock the business and provide access to the store's cash. After grabbing an undisclosed amount of money, the two suspects fled.
Anyone with information on last night's robbery or the two suspects involved 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.
Armed robber at large
August 03, 2021
STATUS: ARRESTED
** UPDATE #1 **
Suspect has been identified and arrested.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE: AUGUST 3, 2021
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help identifying and tracking down a man accused of a robbery with a firearm.
On August 2, 2021, at approximately 11:45 p.m., the Lee County Sheriff's Office responded to the Circle K located at 12251 Metro Parkway in reference to a robbery with a firearm. A white male entered the store and approached the cashier, brandishing a black semi-automatic handgun, demanding money from the register and threatening to shoot the clerk. After the store clerk complied, the suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The suspect is described as a white male, with a muscular build and a small tattoo on his right forearm. The suspect was possibly seen driving a blue/gray small SUV, possibly an older model Honda Pilot.
Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of this robbery 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 southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3 Tips mobile app.
Suspect sought in afternoon attempted robbery
July 18, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help identifying and tracking down a man accused of an attempted robbery early this afternoon.
Around 1 p.m., a black male entered the CVS store located at 7581 Winkler Road and immediately approached a cashier, demanding money from the register. The suspect told the employee that he had a weapon, which she believed to be a gun. At no point, however, was the weapon actually seen. When the clerk refused to hand over the cash, the suspect fled the store on foot.
Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of this attempted robbery 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 on the P3 Tips mobile app.
Accused child molester may have more victims
June 15, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying additional victims who may have been sexually assaulted at the hands of a Lee County man.
Last month, detectives charged Heriberto Batista Montijo (DOB 10/28/78) with 19 charges of sexual assault on a victim under the age of 12, child cruelty, lewd and lascivious behavior on a child and multiple counts of the possession of child pornography. Montijo first came on the radar after a DCF tip suggested that the 42 year old was having indecent relationships with very young girls, coupled with a second allegation that he had a collection of videos depicting children engaged in explicit activity. After an extensive investigation into the accusations, Montijo was arrested on May 14th on the multitude of charges involving those accusations. Detectives also discovered a stash of videos containing child pornography in Montijo’s possession.
Now, detectives are looking at the possibility that Montijo could have had sexual relationships with other young girls in our community. Detectives are in possession of videos from Montijo in which sexual acts with young girls can be seen, however faces are not visible. Montijo has resided in Fort Myers and Lehigh in recent months, and at one point worked at a business in Estero which was in close proximity to an elementary school. At this point, Montijo is being held in the Lee County Jail and is facing three capital charges, and if he’s found guilty of those charges, he could face multiple life sentences in prison.
Anyone who may have information on Montijo’s involvement with young girls is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and could 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.
Crime Stoppers tips sought in Fort Myers Beach homicide
May 10, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help tracking down the shooter responsible for the murder of a 22 year old man on Fort Myers Beach last summer.
Johnny Jackson was on the beach on July 16, 2020, spending time with friends and family near the Lani Kai resort. Later that night, an unknown assailant shot Jackson and quickly fled the scene. Over the last 10 months, detectives with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office have investigated all possible leads in this case, and now, they are asking the public for their help.
Jackson was born and raised in Lee County, and was one of six children. He worked at a lawn care service in Lehigh Acres and regularly spent time with his family, and especially his nieces and nephews.
Anyone with information on the murder of Johnny Jackson 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 from Crime Stoppers and $10,000 from an anonymous donor. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
