Fort Myers police arrest suspect in pre-Christmas apartment mailroom thefts

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

A Fort Myers man accused of stealing and opening packages from multiple apartment complex mailrooms just days before Christmas is facing charges.

Investigators say Jovanie Martinez and another individual entered several apartment mailrooms on Dec. 23, and they are accused of opening and stealing packages intended for residents.

According to police, the thefts began at the SOPRA Luxury Living Apartments along Champion Ring Road, where Martinez is accused of going through packages belonging to at least 10 people. About 30 minutes later, police say he continued the spree at Cypress Legends Circle before ending at another location along Forum Boulevard.

Authorities said Martinez was captured on surveillance cameras at each location.

Investigators later used facial recognition technology to identify Martinez from an older mugshot, police said.

Residents expressed frustration and concern following the thefts.

“Nobody should steal people’s stuff, but there are so many bad people out there that think they’re entitled to whatever’s free and don’t think they’re accountable," said Mary Croegaert.

At Cypress Legends, police said fingerprints believed to belong to Martinez were found on a package.

“I remember seeing the police around,” said Jasmine Saez, who lives at the complex. “I didn’t know at the time, but I think it was because someone was stealing mail and Amazon packages.”

Saez said some mail is kept in secure lockers, while other deliveries are left in open areas.

“Which is kind of weird to me and might feel unsafe,” she said. “I feel like people here are nice. Nothing has been stolen from me personally, so it depends.”

Police located Martinez during a traffic stop along Champion Ring Road and took him into custody. The other suspect involved hasn't been arrested yet.

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