Suncoast Estates man who wrote $10K in checks with victim's checkbook skips court hearing

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. —

A Suncoast Estates man has a new warrant out for his arrest after violating the terms of his probation following an arrest for grand theft and other charges, according to Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers.

Crime Stoppers says Jessup Douglas, 32, was initially hired by the victim to salvage debris after a business was destroyed in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

During the work, Douglas found a checkbook belonging to the victim, which he did not turn over. Douglas wrote multiple checks to himself and his girlfriend, using the victim's account. In total, Douglas stole roughly $10,000 over the course of two months.

Douglas was found guilty of his charges and was placed on 60 months of state probation, which he recently violated after failing to appear in front of a judge, Crime Stoppers says.

Douglas is 6 feet 2 inches, weighs 195 pounds and has a large eagle tattooed on his neck. Upon his arrest Douglas will be held without bond.

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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