Fort Myers Beach firefighter resigns amid child sex case

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — A Fort Myers Beach firefighter accused of having a sexual relationship with a minor has resigned, WINK News has learned.

Stephen Michael Reynaert, 28, of 27035-201 Serrano Way in Bonita Springs, was having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl for a year, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said in August.

Reynaert faces two counts of sexual assault where the accused is a custodian and the victim is ages 12-18.

It was the girl’s mother who told authorities, said deputies, who were notified by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Reynaert didn’t deny the allegations when he spoke to a Florida Department of Children and Families investigator and said he would seek help.

He was released on $75,000 bond from Lee County jail Friday, the same day a judge barred him from any contact with the girl or other minors.

Reynaert has been with the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District for eight years, according to a department annual report. He was listed as an engineer with the department, a position he was promoted to in 2014, the report said.

The Florida Department of Children and Families is looking into the case. Reynaert wasn’t involved in any prior DCF investigations, officials said.