ARREST BLOTTER
05/04/2026 – 05/10/2026
Felony/DUI Arrest
Alex James Pettway, 27, Greenacres was arrested on May 4, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff N. Velasquez Olvera on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription
Ignacio Cordova Quesada, 44, LaBelle was arrested on May 4, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Angelo on charges of Hindering Communication Information to Law Enforcement Officer, Battery and Resist Officer without Violence
Rudolph Atkins, 57, Belle Glade was arrested on May 5, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff A. Najjar on charges of DUI, DUI – Refusal to Submit, Driving While License Suspended/Revoked and Failure to Register Vehicle
Shilo Ann Marie Dickerson, 44, LaBelle was arrested on May 6, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff R. Conant on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Victor Manuel Bueno, 35, Clewiston was arrested on May 6, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff H. Ramirez-Garcia on four counts of Felony Probation Violation
Walfredo Jesus Masses, 59, Clewiston was arrested on May 6, 2026, by Det. K. Rosado on charges of Sexual Assault on victim under 12 years of age
Thomas Jacob Vantassel, 22, LaBelle was arrested on May 6, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff K. Rollins on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Alfredo Perez-Lopez, 19, Immokalee was arrested on May 7, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on charges of Felony FTA
Chiniah Rose Martinez, 28, Clewiston was arrested on May 7, 2026, by Det. K. Rosado on charges of Child Neglect
Nicole Joy Alcantara Martinez, 44, Clewiston was arrested on May 7, 2026, by K9 Deputy M. Elsaid on charges of Felony Probation Violation, Misd. Probation Violation, Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription and Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription
Lena Dorine Lamb, 60, Moore Haven was arrested on May 8, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff J. Crawford on charges of Felony Probation Violation and Misd. Defraud Urine Test
Lester Lian Estrada-Espin, 25, Tampa, was arrested on May 8, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff A. Najjar on charges of Felony Failure to Appear
Jimmy Salgado, 42, Ft. Lauderdale, was arrested on May 8, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff A. Najjar on charges of Felony Probation Violation
Charles Russell Sikes, 55, Alva, was arrested on May 8, 2026, by Sgt. J. Newbern on charges of Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – 3rd of Subsequent
Lewis McKenzie, 72, Clewiston was arrested on May 9, 2026, by Deputy Sheriff H. Carranza on charges of Lewd & Lascivious Behavior on Victim under 12 years of age
Southwest Florida Online News
From LaBelle, Florida for Hendry and Glades County and the Lake Okeechobee region. Don Browne, editor.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Jimmy Roberts Sentenced To 5 Life Sentences In Double Fatality Crash
MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- On May 11, 2026, Jimmy Randall Roberts Jr. of Moore Haven, FL was sentenced to five life sentences following a jury trial for a double fatal traffic crash that occurred on State Road 82 and Sunshine Boulevard in Fort Myers, Lee County, FL on May 25, 2024, at 10:30 pm.
Roberts Jr. was sentenced to life in prison for each charge: two counts of Vehicular Homicide, two counts of Reckless Driving with Serious Bodily Injury, and one count of Driving While License Suspended – Habitual Traffic Offender.
The crash occurred when Roberts drove his SUV erratically westbound on State Road 82 at 114 miles per hour in a 55-mph zone. His SUV collided with an eastbound passenger car attempting to make a lawful left turn. The driver of the passenger car, an 18-year-old woman, lost her life in the crash. She had just graduated from high school a week prior.
Additionally, an adult female passenger in Roberts Jr.’s SUV, lost her life, and two male passengers in the SUV sustained serious bodily injuries.
F.S.S. 782.071 Vehicular Homicide: Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine
Roberts Jr. was sentenced to life in prison for each charge: two counts of Vehicular Homicide, two counts of Reckless Driving with Serious Bodily Injury, and one count of Driving While License Suspended – Habitual Traffic Offender.
The crash occurred when Roberts drove his SUV erratically westbound on State Road 82 at 114 miles per hour in a 55-mph zone. His SUV collided with an eastbound passenger car attempting to make a lawful left turn. The driver of the passenger car, an 18-year-old woman, lost her life in the crash. She had just graduated from high school a week prior.
Additionally, an adult female passenger in Roberts Jr.’s SUV, lost her life, and two male passengers in the SUV sustained serious bodily injuries.
F.S.S. 782.071 Vehicular Homicide: Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine
Monday, May 11, 2026
Teacher's Month At Seminole Museum
BIG CYPRESS RESERVATION, Fla. (May 11, 2026) – The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is proud to once again celebrate Teacher Appreciation Month this July by offering complimentary admission to educators throughout the entire month.
Teachers will have the opportunity to explore dynamic exhibits showcasing historic and modern Seminole life, along with the museum’s expansive mile-long boardwalk through a scenic cypress dome in the heart of the Florida Everglades.
Educators may also bring up to four guests, who will receive 50% off the standard admission rate.
The program provides teachers with an opportunity to plan ahead while discovering engaging educational resources that can help infuse Seminole culture and Everglades flora and fauna into classroom lesson plans.
Located on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum serves as a vital educational resource, offering meaningful learning opportunities focused on Native American history and culture, as well as the unique ecosystems of the Florida Everglades.
Teachers are encouraged to utilize featured exhibits, cultural resources and environmental experiences to create memorable and enriching learning opportunities for their students. Information tied to applicable Next Generation Standards is also available upon request.
Visitors are encouraged to tour the boardwalk before heading indoors to explore the galleries due to the unpredictable nature of Florida’s summer weather patterns.
The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except July 4, when the museum will be closed in observance of Independence Day.
To sign up for the free visit, teachers should register at https://www.ahtahthiki.com/teachers/.
Teachers must present valid school credentials, such as a school ID or a note from the school, upon entry.
Franklin Lock Closed May 13 For Upgrades
ALVA, FL. -- Attention all concerned boaters! W.P. Franklin Lock will be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on May 13, 2026 for electrical system upgrades. Please plan accordingly and thank you for your patience.
For the current Lake Okeechobee water levels, please see: https://w3.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/currentLL.shtml
For up-to-date Lock information, contact the shift operator 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at:
St Lucie Lock & Dam 772-287-2665 or 863-662-9148
Port Mayaca Lock & Dam 561-924-2858 or 863-662-9424
Julian Keen, Jr. Lock & Dam 863-946-0414 or 863-662-9533
Ortona Lock & Dam 863-675-0616 or 863- 662-9846
W.P. Franklin Lock & Dam 863-662-9908
Canaveral Lock 321-783-5421 or 863-662-0298 (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
For the current Lake Okeechobee water levels, please see: https://w3.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/currentLL.shtml
For up-to-date Lock information, contact the shift operator 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at:
St Lucie Lock & Dam 772-287-2665 or 863-662-9148
Port Mayaca Lock & Dam 561-924-2858 or 863-662-9424
Julian Keen, Jr. Lock & Dam 863-946-0414 or 863-662-9533
Ortona Lock & Dam 863-675-0616 or 863- 662-9846
W.P. Franklin Lock & Dam 863-662-9908
Canaveral Lock 321-783-5421 or 863-662-0298 (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Berkley B. Bunzey Dies At 75
Berkley B. Bunzey passed away on May 1, 2026, at the age of 75.Born in Cobleskill, New York, Berkley later moved to the Florida Keys before settling in LaBelle, Florida, where he spent the past nine years.
Berkley was known for being honest, strong, organized, dedicated, loyal, generous, adventurous, joyful, truthful, and precise. He approached life with diligence and intention, both in thought and action. He was admired for his transparency, realism, and unwavering loyalty to those he loved.
He especially loved the outdoors and treasured the many adventures he shared with his beloved wife, Colleen. Whether fishing, camping, or simply enjoying nature together, Berkley found peace and happiness in the simple moments of life.
Berkley was an Army veteran. He dedicated 25 years of service to Selkirk True Value Hardware before later settling in the Florida Keys, where he continued building a life centered around family, hard work, and the outdoors.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Colleen; son Christopher and daughter-in-law Karen; daughter Jaime; sister Echo and Sister-In-Law Marcia; grandchildren Daniel, Emily, Bear, and Charlotte; and many beloved nieces and nephews, including Craig, Denice, and Lake.
He was preceded in death by his brother Grant Richard; father Grant Richard; mother Marcia Helene ; and nephew Henry Clayton.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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