Duo accused of looting at Fort Myers Beach claiming to help cleanup

Writer: Paul Dolan
Published: Updated:
looting
Noel Morales (left) and Ernesto Pedroso Martinez (right) in custody. (CREDIT: LEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE)

Ernesto Pedroso Martinez, 34, and Noel Morales, 54, were arrested on Sunday for allegedly looting on Fort Myers Beach.

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the duo drove from Homestead to Fort Myers and claimed they were going to assist in cleanup efforts on the beach.

Martinez and Morales were seen stealing items from a local business and then loading the items into a trailer.

West district deputies found the trailer nearby with Martinez and Morales inside, who were detained.

After the trailer was searched, all of the victim’s property was recovered and returned to him.

Martinez and Morales are both being charged with grand theft over $750 less than $5,000, with an enhancement for it occurring during a state of emergency.

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