Deputies investigate string of water system thefts, arrest 2 men in Lehigh Acres

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. —

Two men were arrested in Lehigh Acres on Thursday in relation to a string of water system thefts, the Lee County Sheriff's Office said.

According to LCSO, deputies responded to a grand theft call on 12th Street West in Lehigh Acres after two suspects stole an entire water system from a residence.

Deputies discovered that the suspects backed their vehicle up to the home, removed the water system, and fled the area, LCSO said.

LCSO said that the theft was not an isolated incident and that deputies have been actively investigating a string of water system thefts throughout April and May. Deputies identified the suspected vehicle used in the thefts as a 2002 Ford E250 van.

Deputies conducted a traffic stop on the van on East Lee Boulevard. Deputies detained Nilo Hernandez, 59, and Enery Perez Rodriguez, 45, LCSO said.

At the same time as the traffic stop, deputies executed a search warrant on Rodriguez's residence on Elmwood Avenue, where they located the stolen water system on the back patio.

Both Hernandez and Rodriguez were arrested on grand theft charges.

“Thanks to the relentless work of our 2nd Precinct deputies and detectives, we identified the suspects involved in this crime spree, recovered stolen property, and put two criminals behind bars," said Sheriff Carmine Marceno. "If you choose to steal from our hard-working community members, understand this: we will track you down, build a strong case, and hold you accountable for your actions.”

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