Authorities seek information on a check fraud suspect

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying and tracking down a suspect accused of stealing more than $8,000 from a Lee County woman.

Back in December, the victim left her purse in her locked vehicle while she attended the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Naples during the mid-day hours, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office press release states. Barely 30 minutes later, she returned to her vehicle, only to find the rear driver side window busted out and her purse and all of its contents gone.

The victim immediately reported her credit cards as missing, but just over a month later discovered that her checkbook had fallen into the wrong hands.  As it turns out, an unknown female used five of her checks and cashed them at different Suncoast Credit Union branches throughout Lee County throughout two days.

The first check that cleared was for $1,500, with four subsequent checks cut and cashed for increments that increased by $100 each time, for a total of $8,500, according to the LCSO press release. Surveillance cameras captured a picture of the female suspect during one of her five transactions.

Detectives believe the suspect may be driving a newer model black SUV, possibly a Lexus.  Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the woman is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).  All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.