Most Wanted Wednesday: Featuring some of SWFL’s most wanted suspects; Aug. 24

This weekly WINK News segment features fugitives from justice right here in Southwest Florida.

This is your chance to help out the community and give the tip that gets these people off the street. These suspects need to be found – and you can help. If you have seen them, reach out to Crime Stoppers or your local law enforcement. Call 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).

Here are three fugitives wanted by Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers.

Michael Hague (DOB 4/16/86) – wanted in Lee County for violation of probation on two counts of the illegal use of credit cards and burglary of a conveyance. Detectives say Hague went into peoples’ unlocked cars and took wallets with cash and credit cards, and other items.

He then used the stolen cards to rack up thousands of dollars in charges at local restaurants and big box stores. Law enforcement said they were able to track those purchases and pin them all right back to Hague, who they spotted on surveillance cameras.

When they questioned him about the crimes, he denied any involvement, despite the fact that his rental car was seen at every location and his face was front and center on video. He found himself behind bars and was later placed on probation, which he has since violated.

Hague is 6’0”, 200 pounds and may be laying low in the North Fort Myers area.

Vernell Shelton (DOB 7/14/85) – wanted in Lee County for violation of probation for deposit with the intent to defraud. Shelton was working for a local bank when he felt that he was passed up for a raise and a few thousand dollars in commission that he thought should have been coming his way.

That’s when he started issuing money orders from the accounts of his older clientele and depositing them in his own personal bank account. In total, Shelton siphoned off more than $12,000 in cash from his unsuspecting victims.

His actions landed him in jail, and then probation, which he is now in violation of. Shelton has three previous bookings in Lee County on charges that include battery.

He is 5’9”, 200 pounds. And upon his arrest, he will be held without bond.

Joseph Velez (DOB 5/17/02) – wanted in Lee County for violation of community control for burglary and trafficking in stolen property. Despite being 20 years old, Joseph Velez has had six previous bookings on charges of hit and run, grand theft, burglary, grand theft auto, fraud, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

His current collection of warrants stem from a series of car burglaries he committed in his own neighborhood, where he stole cash, cell phones, credit cards and even a bottle of cheap cologne.

One of the victims was awakened in the middle of the night by Velez, who broke into the man’s garage. He then took off running, but not before being recorded on the victim’s Ring camera, which ultimately led to his arrest. He was later placed on probation, which he has recently violated.

Velez is 6’0”, 185 pounds, with a tattoo of Bart Simpson on his left arm, a cross on his left hand and a cross and skull inked on his right arm. And upon his arrest, Velez will be held without bond in the Lee County Jail.

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SERIES: See all previous Most Wanted Wednesday fugitives

If you have a tip on the whereabouts of any of these wanted suspects, contact Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers. All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers
1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or
southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com