Former LaBelle restaurant owner arrested on kidnapping, sexual battery charges

LABELLE, Fla. —

The owner of a former LaBelle restaurant has been arrested and is being held without bond after authorities say he sexually battered a 19-year-old woman.

Hendry County Sheriff’s Office detectives said 46-year-old Eric Anthony Matus, owner of the former Infinity Steakhouse, was arrested following an investigation into a reported sexual battery that occurred Sunday on South Hall St. in LaBelle.

According to investigators, the victim contacted law enforcement and reported she had been sexually battered by Matus after meeting him earlier that evening at a bar in Fort Myers. Detectives said the woman told them she was alone at the bar when Matus persuaded her to sit next to him and bought her a drink, which she recalled as whiskey.

The victim reported that shortly after consuming the drink, she began feeling unwell and experienced numbness throughout her body.

Investigators said Matus later transported the woman to the Infinity Steakhouse, where he told her she could rest in a room. The victim reported she later awoke to find Matus sexually battering her and said he forced himself on her multiple times despite her resistance.

Based on the victim’s statements, detectives executed a search warrant at the Infinity Steakhouse. During the search, authorities said they located a firearm and several rounds of ammunition. Investigators said Matus is a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Detectives also confirmed that another victim reported a similar series of events involving Matus in November 2025.

During a pretrial detention hearing Tuesday afternoon, a judge ordered Matus to be held without bond.

Matus was arrested on two counts of sexual battery, one count of kidnapping, and one count of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a Florida convicted felon, according to the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities encouraged anyone who believes they may be a victim or has information related to the case to contact the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office at 863-674-5600.

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