TOP TEN FUGITIVE ARRESTED

What this despicable man did to an innocent child is sickening, stated Sheriff Carmine Marceno. Abuse of any kind will NOT be tolerated in my county and criminals, like Hernandez, will be held accountable.

Yesterday evening 43-year-old Manuel Hernandez Hernandez was arrested and taken into custody for 1 Count of Sexual Battery on a Child Under 12.

In January 2020, detectives in our Special Victims Unit began investigating allegations of a sexual battery upon a child victim.

During our investigation, Hernandez was identified as the suspect, and probable cause was obtained for his arrest. Hernandez fled the area and went on the run, and consequently became one of Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers Top 10 Most Wanted.

While residing in Ruskin, FL, Hernandez learned he can run, but he can’t hide. Due to Hernandez’s appearance on the most wanted list, he was recognized by a citizen who later reported it to Crime Stoppers. After we received notification he was seen, members of the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force responded to Hillsborough County.

Upon locating Hernandez, he was taken into custody without incident. He will be transported back to Lee County in the near future.

Due to the incredible work of our Special Victims Unit, SWFL Crime Stoppers, and the U.S. Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force, this criminal is off the streets, behind bars, and unable to harm another innocent victim.

My team will never stop fighting for those who cannot protect themselves, and I am incredibly proud of their hard work, stated Sheriff Carmine Marceno “If you commit a crime in Lee County, it is not a matter of IF, but WHEN you will go to jail.