ARREST BLOTTER
08/10/2026 – 08/16/2026
Felony/DUI Arrest
Stephanie Marquez, 35, Clewiston was arrested on August 10, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff E. Atkinson on charges of Aggravated Battery on Person 65 Years of Age or Older and Aggravated Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony
Juan Jesus Bedolla, 20, Winter Garden, was arrested on August 11, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff L. Gonzalez on charges of Smuggling Contraband into Detention Facility and Felony Probation Violation and Out of County Warrant
Melissa Kay Bryant, 41, Moore Haven was arrested on August 12, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Camacho on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoke – 3rd of Subsequent Violation and Resist Officer without Violence
Ryan Michael Guerrero, 22, LaBelle was arrested on August 12, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Conant on charges of Felony Violation of Conditional Release
Jean Riffin, 56, Lehigh Acres was arrested on August 13, 2026, by Det. J. Keith on charges of Felony Destruction/Harvest Palmetto Berries without Permission
Sarah Michelle Garner, 36, LaBelle was arrested on August 13, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Gosa on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Smiley Hendry, 60, Moore Haven was arrested on August 13, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Gosa on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription
John Thomas Lange, 45, LaBelle was arrested on August 13, 2026, by K9 Deputy M. Elsaid on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Possession Drug Paraphernalia
Kai Javier Peak, 23, Immokalee was arrested on August 15, 2026, by Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon and Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription
Johnnie Joe Harper, 73, Clewiston was arrested on August 15, 2026, by K9 Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell/Mfg/Del Controlled Substance
Ronal Gonzalez Maceo, 35 was arrested on August 16, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff G. Hull on charges of Aggravated Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony and Armed Burglary of a Dwelling
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
No Criminal Charges In Clewiston Crash
CLEWISTON, FL — The Clewiston Police Department (CPD) is issuing a formal update regarding the single-vehicle commercial property collision that occurred at the First Bank location near Berner Road and US Highway 27 on July 15, 2026.
Following the initial on-scene investigation, CPD officers determined that a male driver was exiting an adjacent oil change facility when he inadvertently depressed the accelerator instead of the brake pedal, causing the vehicle to strike the exterior wall of First Bank. While no pedestrians or additional vehicles were involved in the collision, the female passenger suffered blunt force trauma to her abdomen at the time of impact and sustained critical injuries after striking the windshield.
CPD has received the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Report detailing the outcome of their investigation, which determined that her death was a result of the collision.
In light of this tragic outcome, CPD strongly reinforces the critical necessity of vehicle occupant safety. Even during low-speed maneuvers, parking lot navigation, or short trips, proper seatbelt restraint remains the single most effective measure to prevent traumatic injury and loss of life.
Following the initial on-scene investigation, CPD officers determined that a male driver was exiting an adjacent oil change facility when he inadvertently depressed the accelerator instead of the brake pedal, causing the vehicle to strike the exterior wall of First Bank. While no pedestrians or additional vehicles were involved in the collision, the female passenger suffered blunt force trauma to her abdomen at the time of impact and sustained critical injuries after striking the windshield.
CPD has received the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Report detailing the outcome of their investigation, which determined that her death was a result of the collision.
The Clewiston Police Department has reviewed the Medical Examiner's report and all evidence. At this time, the investigation is closed, and no criminal charges will be filed.
The Chief of Police and the members of the Clewiston Police Department extend our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the family and loved ones during this difficult period.
In light of this tragic outcome, CPD strongly reinforces the critical necessity of vehicle occupant safety. Even during low-speed maneuvers, parking lot navigation, or short trips, proper seatbelt restraint remains the single most effective measure to prevent traumatic injury and loss of life.
Food Safety Report - Log Cabin Bar-B-Que Restaurant
LABELLE, FL. -- The most recent food safety inspection at LaBelle's Log Cabin Bar-B-Que LLC found six violations at the 115 seat restaurant. The inspection was August 12. Michael Reale is the owner of the company.
Inspector's Notes
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling stained with grease/smoke. **Repeat Violation**
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed license current but not displayed.
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tiles in the cook area cracked.
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rust on the walk in cooler shelves. **Repeat Violation**
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled, operator removed for cleaning. **Corrective Action Taken**
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chemical test strips available for quaternary or chlorine sanitizer.
Inspector's Notes
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling stained with grease/smoke. **Repeat Violation**
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed license current but not displayed.
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tiles in the cook area cracked.
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rust on the walk in cooler shelves. **Repeat Violation**
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled, operator removed for cleaning. **Corrective Action Taken**
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chemical test strips available for quaternary or chlorine sanitizer.
Violations in the following areas:
1 + Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
1 * Dishwashing facilities; chemical test kit(s); gauges
1 * Current license properly displayed
1 Food-contact and nonfood-contact surfaces designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located
2 Floors, walls, ceilings and attached equipment properly constructed and clean; rooms and equipment properly vented
1 * Dishwashing facilities; chemical test kit(s); gauges
1 * Current license properly displayed
1 Food-contact and nonfood-contact surfaces designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located
2 Floors, walls, ceilings and attached equipment properly constructed and clean; rooms and equipment properly vented
Alberto Escobar Bemudes Dies At 88
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our beloved Papi, known to most as "Chino."
Alberto Escobar Bemudes was born in Cuba on August 8, 1938, to the late Antonio and Maria Pena. He passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on August 13, 2026, after being blessed with 88 years of life.
A true survivor, Alberto immigrated to the United States in 1972, where he built a life centered on family, hard work, and a genuine love of living.
Alberto was a lover of life. He had a special kindness for children and an unfiltered sense of humor-usually sprinkled with a little sarcasm for everyone else. He brought so much light and laughter into our family, and his presence will never be forgotten.
As the longtime owner of Chino's Nursery, Alberto spent many years growing and sharing the trees, plants, and flowers that are still rooted throughout our community today. They are a living reminder of the life he built and the beauty he leaves behind.
He is survived by his children, Mildrey McConvery (Michael), Alberto Hernandez, and Anthony Escobar (Renee); his grandchildren, Alison, Jennah, Kyton, and Keily; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
We will always remember his laughter, his humor, his kindness, and the many things he nurtured throughout his life. His memory will continue to grow in the hearts and lives of all who loved him.
Alberto Escobar Bemudes was born in Cuba on August 8, 1938, to the late Antonio and Maria Pena. He passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on August 13, 2026, after being blessed with 88 years of life.
A true survivor, Alberto immigrated to the United States in 1972, where he built a life centered on family, hard work, and a genuine love of living.
Alberto was a lover of life. He had a special kindness for children and an unfiltered sense of humor-usually sprinkled with a little sarcasm for everyone else. He brought so much light and laughter into our family, and his presence will never be forgotten.
As the longtime owner of Chino's Nursery, Alberto spent many years growing and sharing the trees, plants, and flowers that are still rooted throughout our community today. They are a living reminder of the life he built and the beauty he leaves behind.
He is survived by his children, Mildrey McConvery (Michael), Alberto Hernandez, and Anthony Escobar (Renee); his grandchildren, Alison, Jennah, Kyton, and Keily; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
We will always remember his laughter, his humor, his kindness, and the many things he nurtured throughout his life. His memory will continue to grow in the hearts and lives of all who loved him.
Driver Dead In Crash On SR82 In Collier County
Collier County - State Road 82 / Corkscrew Road- FATAL
DATE: 8/17/26
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATION: State Road 82 / Corkscrew Road – Collier County
CASE #: FHP26ON383793
INVESTIGATOR: Corporal B. Minton
VEHICLE 1: 2020 Nissan
DRIVER 1: Male / Age 75 of Lehigh Acres / Fatal
VEHICLE 2: 2013 Dump Truck
DRIVER 2: Male / Age 60 of Lehigh Acres / No Injury
SYNOPSIS:
Vehicle 1 was attempting to turn left from Corkscrew Road onto westbound State Road 82.
Vehicle 2 was traveling east on State Road 82.
Vehicle 1 made the left turn Infront of the approaching Vehicle 2.
The front of Vehicle 2 collided with the side of Vehicle 1.
Driver 1 sustained serious injuries, was transported to an area hospital and later pronounced deceased.
The crash remains under investigation.
DATE: 8/17/26
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATION: State Road 82 / Corkscrew Road – Collier County
CASE #: FHP26ON383793
INVESTIGATOR: Corporal B. Minton
VEHICLE 1: 2020 Nissan
DRIVER 1: Male / Age 75 of Lehigh Acres / Fatal
VEHICLE 2: 2013 Dump Truck
DRIVER 2: Male / Age 60 of Lehigh Acres / No Injury
SYNOPSIS:
Vehicle 1 was attempting to turn left from Corkscrew Road onto westbound State Road 82.
Vehicle 2 was traveling east on State Road 82.
Vehicle 1 made the left turn Infront of the approaching Vehicle 2.
The front of Vehicle 2 collided with the side of Vehicle 1.
Driver 1 sustained serious injuries, was transported to an area hospital and later pronounced deceased.
The crash remains under investigation.
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