Lee County man found guilty of child molestation

FORT MYERS, Fla. – After nearly four years on the run, Nelson “Sandy” Sanderson, 75, was found guilty on two charges of child molestation Thursday.

He is facing two life sentences.

A warrant was issued for Sanderson’s arrest in July 2012 after he was accused of molesting two children under the age of 12. He fled the United States, shortly after the allegations came to light, authorities said. His wife, Charlotte, testified on his behalf on Wednesday, saying they sought the advice of a lawyer who told them to hide. When asked why a lawyer would tell the couple to flee, Charlotte Sanderson said they feared Nelson would die if sentenced to time in jail.

“First of all, Sandy’s age. Sandy’s health — he said if police pick him up, he’s 70 years old. He’d last maybe six months incarcerated,” Charlotte Sanderson said.

She also alleges that the lawyer said her husband’s case would be forgotten if they hid long enough, but the Lee County Sheriff’s Office worked with the U.S. Marshal for four years to track him down.

Nelson Sanderson was taken into custody in Nicaragua in late April. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 15.

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers said in a Facebook post that Nelson’s conviction made Thursday a “REALLY good day.”