Two Men Arrested For Allegedly Looting Business In Fort Myers Following Hurricane Ian

FORT MYERS (FLV) – Two men have been arrested after allegedly stealing items from in front of a local business in Fort Myers Beach.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office says 34-year-old Ernesto Pedroso and 54-year-old Martinez Noel Morales drove to Fort Myers from Homestead, claiming they were there to assist with the cleanup from Hurricane Ian.

Pedroso and Morales were observed stealing items from in front of a business and loading the items into a trailer, according to officials.

West District Deputies found the trailer in the area with both of the men inside. Police say the stolen items were returned to the victim.

The men are being charged with grand theft over $750 (less than $5,000) with a chance of being increased due to the state emergency declaration.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno previously warned looters to expect the full force of local law enforcement if they try to take advantage of victims.

Despite warnings, there have been several reports of looting incidents since the Hurricane wiped out power across the state leaving millions of homes and businesses without power.

Marceno announced that some looters that were arrested are in the country illegally last week.

Another incident was reported by officials at a gas station in Fort Myers.

DeSantis has previously warned against trying to take advantage of the storm’s victims in Florida: “Don’t even think about looting… I can tell you, in the state of Florida, you may never know what is lurking behind someone’s home. I would not want to chance that given we’re a Second Amendment state.”