Fort Myers man accused of violating probation after third arrest for petit theft

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

A Fort Myers man is accused of violating his probation following his third arrest for petit theft.

According to Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers, Michael Watson, 49, broke into someone's home, stole an e-bike that was sitting in the front room, loaded it into his car and drove away.

A security camera in the home identified the thief as Joe Costa, which was quickly discovered to be a fake name used by Watson, Crime Stoppers said.

Watson avoided his arrest for multiple months until he was pulled over for speeding on Burnt Store Road in Cape Coral. Watson was arrested and pleaded no contest to petit theft charges. He was sentenced to probation, which Crime Stoppers said he violated last week.

Watson has 20 prior arrests for grand theft, battery/domestic violence and disorderly intoxication. He is 5'10" and weighs 150 pounds.

If you have information in this case, you are asked to contact Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477), on the P3 app, or on its website. You can remain anonymous, and if your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.

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