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.
UPDATE: Nicholas has been located safe.
🚨MISSING ENDANGERED ADULT🚨
The Lee County Sheriff's Office is requesting the public's assistance in locating a missing/endangered adult, 39-year-old Nicholas Schmidt.
Nicholas is 5’11, 200-pounds, with gray/black hair, and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing white shirt khaki shorts. He may be driving a gray Subaru sedan.
If you know the whereabouts of Enrique, please contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 239-477-1000 or SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.
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𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗕𝗨𝗬𝗘𝗥: 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗖𝗨𝗙𝗙𝗦
"To say I am repulsed by the acts of this disgusting individual is an understatement," 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗼. "This type of criminal behavior is truly incomprehensible and has no place in our county, especially when you 𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗘 to be here 𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬. I am incredibly proud of my Special Victims Unit and deputies who responded and immediately investigated. This vulgar human being will be charged to the 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗧 extent of the law."
On October 6th, 2026, deputies responded to a home in North Fort Myers in reference to a sexual battery.
Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the juvenile victim and their father. Through investigative techniques, they learned the suspect, later identified as 𝗨𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗼 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘇, inappropriately touched the victim.
At this time, our Special Victims Unit responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.
Detectives learned earlier this week that the victim’s father posted their residence for sale and Santiago Perez contacted him to arrange a showing of the home.
Shortly after Santiago Perez arrived, the father and victim started giving a tour of the home.
During the showing, Santiago Perez isolated the victim in the bathroom and proceeded to sexually abuse him.
The victim immediately contacted law enforcement. While they were waiting for our arrival, Santiago Perez left the residence.
Before leaving, Santiago Perez told the victim to meet at the end of the road. Responding deputies located Santiago Perez exactly where the victim was instructed to go.
Detectives established probable cause to arrest Santiago Perez for the following:
𝗦𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝟭𝟮-𝟭𝟴.
Santiago Perez is currently on an ICE hold at the Lee County Jail.
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It was a great afternoon at the Fort Myers/Sanibel Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, where Senator Rick Scott delivered the keynote address.
It’s an honor to have strong, supportive leadership working for the people of our great state of Florida. Proud to be part of it! 🇺🇸🌴
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🐾 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:
www.sheriffleefl.org/cell-dog-program/
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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.”
Yesterday, deputies responded to a residence in North Fort Myers in reference to suspected animal hoarding and a deceased dog outside the home.
Upon arrival, deputies immediately detected the odor of decomposition coming from a kennel positioned in front of the garage. Deputies confirmed a deceased dog was inside the kennel.
Due to the nature of the call, 1ST Precinct Crime Section, ACTF and Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) responded to assist with the investigation.
Inside the home, deputies discovered dogs confined to overcrowded kennels surrounded by feces and urine. The odor was so severe that deputies were required to wear gas masks and protective equipment to safely enter the residence.
In one kennel, six puppies were found completely covered in what was determined to be their own feces.
The home had no functioning air conditioning, limited ventilation, and the dogs did not have access to adequate drinking water. Several dogs were significantly underweight, while others showed signs of untreated injuries.
With assistance from LCDAS, 30 living dogs and one deceased dog were removed from the home.
During the investigation, deputies also encountered an adult male with a mental disability who lived in the residence with his parents. Deputies observed numerous bites covering his body, believed to possibly be from fleas inside the home.
Due to concerns regarding his living conditions, SVU detectives responded to investigate further. Detectives observed that the male’s bedroom did not contain a bed and was covered in trash. The residence also lacked running water.
The homeowner, Mary Paulis, arrived on scene shortly after and was detained.
Following the investigation, Paulis was charged with 𝟯𝟭 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗴𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝗲𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁.
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🚨TRAFFIC ADVISORY🚨
There is a six-vehicle traffic crash at Bonita Beach Rd and Industrial Rd in Bonita Springs. There are injuries. All intersections are closed and EB traffic is diverted to S Industrial Rd. Avoid the area and seek an alternate route.
🚨TRAFFIC ADVISORY🚨
Please be advised all eastbound lanes of Lee Blvd are closed at 1st St W due to a two vehicle crash with injuries.
Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area & seek an alternate route.
He was last seen on foot in the 11000blk of Morgan Hill Rd around noon wearing all black.
If you know the whereabouts of Richard, please contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 239-477-1000 or SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.
🚨MISSING ENDANGERED ADULT🚨
The Lee County Sheriff's Office is requesting the public's assistance in locating a missing/endangered adult, 51-year-old Richard Dellatore .
Richard is 5’8, 250-pounds, bald, and has a long brown beard.
🚨TRAFFIC ADVISORY🚨
Please be advised all lanes of Alico Rd are closed at Wild Blue Blvd due to debris in the road. The closure will last for approximately 30 minutes for cleanup.
Carmine Marceno
🐾 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! 🥹💔
💙🐾 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗲
We watched you grow from a puppy into a brave and dedicated K9 who gave everything to protect others.
We watched you learn. We watched you train. We watched you work. And along the way, you became so much more than a K9, you became 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆.
From your first days with LCSO to your final call, you served with courage, loyalty, and heart.
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆, 𝗗𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗲. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗖𝗦𝗢 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆. 💙🐾
𝐀 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞… 💔🌈
This afternoon, members of our K9 Unit rallied around Deputy Chala and his family as they said their final goodbyes to a faithful partner and friend.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Cape Coral Police Department K9 and Patrol Units for their assistance and support. This is what the law enforcement family is all about, standing together when it matters most.
We are honored to accept the Cape Coral Fraternal Order of the Eagles’ generous offer to assist with cremation services.
Thank you to Cape Coral Pet Crematory for your generosity and compassion.
Rest easy, K9 Dundee. Your pawprints will forever be engrained in our hearts.
💙🐾 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂
Today, we are incredibly grateful for the law enforcement agencies who stood alongside us to honor K9 Dundee — 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹, 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗠𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁.
We are also deeply grateful to 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹 𝗣𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 and our 𝗟𝗖𝗦𝗢 𝗔𝘃𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁 for their dedication and efforts to get Dundee immediate medical care. Their commitment during those critical moments meant everything.
And to everyone who has reached out with kind words, prayers, messages, and support for Dundee, Deputy Chala, and our LCSO family — thank you. We have felt the love and support from our community and from agencies near and far.
𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀, 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘂𝘀. 💙🐾
💙 🐾 𝐋𝐂𝐒𝐎 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝟗 𝐃𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐞 💙 🐾
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the death of K9 Dundee, whose life was lost while assisting deputies during an apprehension in the 1st Precinct early this morning.
Dundee joined the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in February 2024 and faithfully served our agency and our community ever since. He was certified in both patrol and narcotics detection and, during his career, completed 174 deployments and was directly responsible for 28 apprehensions.
Dundee was more than a K9. He was a member of our LCSO family. He ran toward danger without hesitation, trusting his handler and his brothers and sisters in this agency to be there beside him.
Our hearts are with Deputy Chala, Dundee’s handler and partner, his family, and every K9 handler who worked, trained, and stood beside Dundee. The bond between a handler and his K9 is one that few can truly understand, and the loss being felt today is immeasurable.
Please keep Deputy Chala and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
We will honor Dundee’s service, remember his sacrifice, and never forget the courage he showed in protecting others.
Rest easy, Dundee. You served with honor, courage, and distinction. You will never be forgotten.
Watch real stories from the field, see how we work with the community, and get the latest updates straight from the source.
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
Trafficking Cocaine Gets You Cuffed
Public Records Request
Submit a request for public records, background checks, crash reports, and more.
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...
October 2026 CRUnewsletter FINAL .pdfDownload
Did you know ads on your social media feed are RARELY vetted or checked for scams? We have all been there - browsing on social media when an ad grabs our attention: that discounted designer bag, our favorite candle, or some fabulous supplement or skincare product. The items are so enticing; we cannot help but click on the ad. The...
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.
