Proud to Serve
Thank you for visiting the official website of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It’s an honor and privilege to serve as your Sheriff.
Your safety is my top priority. I am committed to ensuring our community is protected by the most skilled, dedicated, and innovative law enforcement team. We’re constantly looking ahead, embracing new ideas, and striving for excellence in everything we do.
🎰⭐ 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐅𝐅 ⭐️🎰
𝐋𝐂𝐒𝐎 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐋 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐄𝐓𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐉𝐎𝐑 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐅𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐀 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍
Following a lengthy investigation, the Lee County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit, in partnership with the FL Gaming Control Commission and multiple law enforcement agencies, dismantled an illegal gambling network operating across Lee County connected to five gambling establishments.
Behind this major operation were hundreds of hours of investigative work, coordination, and determination. LCSO detectives and the Florida Gaming Control Commission worked tirelessly to follow the money, connect the dots, and bring this operation to fruition.
On October 27, 2026, detectives executed coordinated search warrants across Florida and Pennsylvania, targeting gambling establishments, residences, financial accounts, and other locations connected to the investigation.
What began as an illegal gambling investigation expanded into a racketeering and money laundering case. Through undercover operations, surveillance, financial analysis, and bank records, detectives uncovered connections among five gambling establishments and identified individuals involved in financing, owning, managing, and operating the businesses.
𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:
• The Royal on Palm Arcade; Fort Myers
• 777 Arcade; Fort Myers
• King's Paradise Arcade; North Fort Myers
• Sneaky Pete's Lucky 7 Arcade; Bonita Springs
• Spin City Arcade; Fort Myers
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐢𝐳𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲, 𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠:
💸 $715,272 in U.S. currency seized
🥇Approximately $661,454 in gold coins and bars
🏦 $383,573 in frozen bank account assets
🎰 239 illegal slot machines seized
🏡 Two residences targeted for civil forfeiture
High-value purses, jewelry, and additional evidence
𝐕𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝:
• 2017 Bentley Continental
• 2017 BMW 650i
• 2025 BMW i4
• 2025 Mercedes GLE
• 2017 Cadillac CTS
• 2018 Cadillac Escalade
• 2011 Nissan Armada
• 2017 Nissan Altima
• 2022 Ford F-250
• 2026 Cadillac Escalade
Detectives also recovered an additional $30,250 from gambling machines at Sneaky Pete's Lucky 7 Arcade and 777 Arcade.
In Mercer, Pennsylvania, detectives searched a residence and located a large safe containing a substantial amount of U.S. currency and miscellaneous jewelry connected to the investigation.
The total in seized cash, gold, and frozen bank assets reached $𝟏,𝟓𝟖𝟗,𝟏𝟒𝟗, alongside 10 seized vehicles and two residences targeted for civil forfeiture.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟏𝟎 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐬:
-Dennis Martin - 08/05/1943
-Ronald Longo - 12/10/1950
-Timothy Fandry - 07/10/1957
-Melissa Olarte - 07/30/1981
-Dijela Ivezaj - 03/07/1964
-William Holman - 09/03/1963
-Debra Wolovlek - 04/22/1961
-Angela Vittitoe - 01/30/1961
-Harold Hauck Jr - 10/28/1982
-Stamena Gacevic - 01/11/1978
“This is what happens when law enforcement agencies come together with one mission and refuse to back down. Our strong partnership with the Florida Gaming Control Commission was instrumental in bringing this operation to the point of enforcement. Together, we followed the money, seized hundreds of illegal slot machines, and targeted the financial assets connected to this operation. We didn't just target machines; we went after the people, the money, and the infrastructure investigators uncovered. Let this be a clear message: if you exploit our community for criminal profit, we will investigate, we will pursue the evidence, and we will work with our partners to hold those responsible accountable,” stated Sheriff Carmine Marceno.
FGCC appreciates the strong partnership it has with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, said FGCC Executive Director Alana Zimmer. “Dedicated investigators from both agencies took months to prepare for this operation. These arrests send a clear message to criminals that illegal gambling will not be tolerated in Florida: We will find you, take your illegal slot machines and assets, and put you in jail.”
This operation reflects the coordinated efforts of LCSO, the Florida Gaming Control Commission, and law enforcement partners in Pennsylvania. Illegal gambling can be linked to violent crime, narcotics, and other criminal activity that threatens our communities. By targeting these operations at their source, investigators work to disrupt criminal networks and help keep our communities safe.
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❤️ A BIG THANK YOU TO TAP 42 IN BELL TOWER! ❤️
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Tap 42 in Bell Tower for generously providing lunch in honor of National First Responders Appreciation Day!
Your kindness and support mean so much to the men and women who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting our community. Acts of generosity like yours remind our first responders that they are valued, appreciated, and never forgotten.
Thank you, Tap 42, for helping us celebrate and honor our everyday heroes!
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The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Golden PAWS Crisis Care K9™ Valor joined the fun at Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center’s annual Trunk or Treat event.
Valor reminded everyone that all our emotions have a place, and that sometimes a little love and a furry friend can make even the biggest feelings easier to navigate. With plenty of tail wags and Halloween spirit, Valor helped make the event a truly Joy-filled experience for all! 🎃🐾💛
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Happening this morning! Stop by for a sweet treat & meet members of Team LCSO for #NationalFirstRespondersDay 🚨🌟🧁🥳
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🌟 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐘 🌟
From Team LCSO, we honor and thank the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities. Whether law enforcement, fire, or EMS, we stand together, serve together, and answer the call together. We’re grateful for the courage, sacrifice, and commitment our fellow first responders demonstrate every day.
One community. One mission. We serve together.
💙🚨🌟🚑🚒⛑️💚
#NationalFirstRespondersDay #TeamLCSO #FirstResponders #ServiceAndSacrifice
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🎰⭐ 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐅𝐅 ⭐️🎰
𝐋𝐂𝐒𝐎 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐋 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐄𝐓𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐉𝐎𝐑 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 @FLGamingControl. Check out the full release here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1EX5Yw694x/?mibextid=wwXIfr
🚨TRAFFIC ADVISORY🚨
All lanes of Tice St are closed near Country Lakes Dr due to a vehicle vs bus.
While investigating the crash, a deputy was struck by a vehicle.
The deputy has been transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
All students are safe.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY | FGCU CAMPUS AREA
Motorists should expect traffic delays in and around the FGCU campus area tomorrow, Friday, October 23, due to a scheduled special event and related security measures.
Impacts are expected from early morning through late afternoon.
Please plan accordingly, allow extra travel time, and consider alternate routes when possible.
🚨TRAFFIC ADVISORY🚨
Be advised, there was a vehicle crash at the intersection of Ortiz Ave and Gleenwood Ave causing the intersection to be blocked entirely.
Please use caution & seek an alternate route if possible.
🚨TRAFFIC ADVISORY🚨
Be advised, there was a vehicle crash at the intersection of McGregor Blvd and Peck Ave causing all lanes of McGregor Blvd to be shutdown.
Please use caution & seek an alternate route if possible.
Carmine Marceno
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Golden PAWS Crisis Care K9™ Valor joined the fun at Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center’s annual Trunk or Treat event.
Valor reminded everyone that all our emotions have a place, and that sometimes a little love and a furry friend can make even the biggest feelings easier to navigate. With plenty of tail wags and Halloween spirit, Valor helped make the event a truly Joy-filled experience for all! 🎃🐾💛
𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗙𝗟𝗘𝗘𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗡’𝗦 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗 𝗛𝗜𝗧 𝗔 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗘𝗡𝗗
On Sunday, deputies were patrolling Orange Grove Boulevard in North Fort Myers, assisting FMPD with locating a vehicle that fled from a traffic stop into our jurisdiction.
As the vehicle approached the intersection of Orange Grove Boulevard and Pondella Road, the driver, later identified as 𝐙𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐲, drove around a parked vehicle, through the red light, nearly striking a truck.
When deputies attempted a traffic stop, Murray accelerated, lost traction, and nearly struck another vehicle. Murray continued to drive over the median and into oncoming traffic. At this time, deputies safely conducted a PIT maneuver to prevent Murray from continuing to drive recklessly and potentially cause a deadly crash.
Deputies made contact with Murray and located trafficking amounts of Cocaine, in addition to other drugs inside the vehicle.
𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡:
𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐣𝐮𝐚𝐧𝐚
𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞
𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚
𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠
Murray has an extensive criminal history, including drug charges, resisting an officer, grand theft, and battery.
♥️ 𝐀 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨’𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 ♥️
He never raised his right paw. He never stood before a crowd and promised to serve and protect. He never needed to.
Because every time he climbed into that patrol vehicle, every time he answered the call, and every time he ran toward danger without hesitation, he was living that oath.
He didn’t understand the weight of the badge or the meaning of the uniform. But he understood loyalty. He understood duty. And above all, he understood that the person standing beside him was worth protecting at any cost.
𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐊𝟗. 𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫. 𝐀 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫. 𝐀 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. The one who would go first into the darkness, never questioning what waited on the other side.
He asked for no recognition, no medals, and no praise. Just the chance to do his job and return to the side of the handler he trusted with his life.
And when his final call came… 𝐇𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝.
Today, we don’t just say goodbye to a police K9. We salute a fallen officer who served with courage, fought with heart, and remained faithful to his duty until his very last breath.
K9 Dundee, you never had to speak the oath. You honored it with your life.
Rest easy, warrior. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
𝐄𝐎𝐖 𝟗.𝟐𝟖.𝟐𝟔 ; 𝐟 𝐨 𝐫 𝐞 𝐯 𝐞 𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨. 🖤💙
Today, Sheriff Marceno and LCSO held the funeral for our fallen K9 Dundee. K9 Dundee, we will never forget your sacrifice to keeping your handler, our agency, and all of our community members safe. Rest easy, we have the watch from here 💙🪽🐾
Thank you to everyone who came to honor and support K9 Dundee and allow us to highlight the amazing work he did during his life alongside his handler Deputy Chala.
🐾 𝓔𝓶𝓶𝓪’𝓼 𝓢𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂 🐾
One of the newest dogs in our 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦, Emma, came all the way from the island of Dominica, hoping for a second chance at life!
Her journey to Florida wasn’t easy… she was abused and had to escape an attack. Despite a landslide blocking the only road out of the shelter, amazing volunteers from St. Nicholas Animal Rescue carried her, along with 12 other dogs, up and over a mountain to safety.
Emma is receiving an abundance of love and training from our inmates and Corrections Deputies! Soon, she will get her second chance at life and move to her forever home. 🩷🐶
An unimaginable journey, ending in unconditional love!
𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦, 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭:
https://www.sheriffleefl.org/cell-dog-program/
DEPLORABLE HOME CONDITIONS LEAD TO ANIMAL CRUELTY AND SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT INVESTIGATION
“This is absolutely inhumane,” said 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐨. “It is always my mission to protect those who cannot protect themselves. No animal or vulnerable person should EVER be forced to live in conditions like this. Thanks to ACTF and SVU members, we will hold this woman accountable for her actions and charge her to the fullest extent of the law.”
SEE FULL RELEASE ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AmaSUvGAH/?mibextid=wwXIfr
On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, a funeral service will be held to honor the life and service of K9 Dundee, who tragically passed away on September 28, 2026.
The service will be held at Hertz Arena, located at 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928. The ceremony will begin promptly at 10:00 AM.
The Traffic Unit, Civilian Support Unit, and Hertz Arena staff will be on site to assist with parking. The ceremony is open to the public.
We look forward to seeing you as we come together to honor the life, service, and memory of K9 Dundee.
They say that when you’re missing someone who has passed on, you should look for the little signs; the quiet reminders that they’re still near, still finding their way back to you in the smallest, most unexpected moments…
In times of grief, it’s gestures like this that remind us just how deeply we are surrounded, cared for, and supported by this amazing community.
Thank you, Lamar Advertising, for this incredibly meaningful sentiment during one of the most difficult times our team has ever faced. Your thoughtfulness and compassion mean more to us than words can express.
We are truly grateful for your support during this difficult time… We love and miss you, K9 Dundee! 🥹💔
Watch real stories from the field, see how we work with the community, and get the latest updates straight from the source.
October 28, 2026
WOMAN ARRESTED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY AND NEGLECT OF A DISABLED ADULT - See FB page for full release
Behind the Badge with Sheriff Carmine Marceno
Behind the Badge with Sheriff Carmine Marceno
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As online shopping and package deliveries increase, residents should be aware of a common scam involving fake delivery notifications. Scammers may send a text message or email claiming that a package could not be delivered, an address needs to be confirmed, or a small fee is required to reschedule a delivery. These messages may look legitimate and often include a...
County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind residents of a few simple ways to stay safe and help protect our community. Halloween Safety Halloween is a fun time for families, but it also brings increased pedestrian activity and more children out after dark. Please keep these tips in mind: · Drivers should slow down and remain especially alert in residential...
RBA LCSO Notice of Rescheduled Public HearingDownload
As October brings slightly cooler evenings, Halloween activities, and more time spent outdoors, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind residents of a few simple ways to stay safe and help protect our community. Halloween Safety Halloween is a fun time for families, but it also brings increased pedestrian activity and more children out after dark. Please keep...
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has been nationally accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement (CALEA) since 1991. The accreditation program requires agencies to comply with state-of-the-art standards in four basic areas: policy and procedures, administration, operations and support services.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office invites the public to offer comments, commendation and other information regarding the Sheriff’s Office quality of services and performance or other information relevant to the accreditation process on the CALEA public access portal. To access the Public Comment Portal, go to http://cimrs2.calea.org/58.
