Sex offender arrested, linked to March Lani Kai rape

FORT MYERS, Fla. – A convicted sex offender is in jail after results from a rape kit pinned him to the sexual assault of a victim older than 12, according to deputies.

Kurtis Thomas, 25, of 18557 Phlox Dr., was arrested Wednesday for allegedly raping a victim on Fort Myers Beach back in March. Thomas met his victim on the beach and was one of four people who booked a hotel room at the Lani Kai Island Resort to avoid driving drunk, according to reports.

The victim woke up bleeding and in pain, deputies said.

Thomas’ arrest comes seven months after the reported incident. There were nearly 500 untested rape kits in Lee County, but legislation is muscling an effort to address the backlog.

Thomas was convicted of having sex with a minor in 2009. He was 18 at the time. He is being held on $250,000 bond, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.