Accused prowler arrested after deputies find cell phone and ID at Lee County crime scene

Deputies have arrested a man after discovering his cell phone and driver’s license at the scene where they responded to calls about a suspicious person.

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, on Monday at approximately 10 p.m., deputies responded to a home on Jenny Cae Lane about a suspicious person loitering in the area.

Deputies learned the suspect approached the residence and was incoherent until he was eventually scared off by the homeowner.

While deputies continued their investigation, LCSO received a second call for service within the same community on Silver Thorn Loop.

The caller said that a suspicious person appearing under the influence, matching the same suspect’s description, entered their screened-in patio.

The suspect, later identified as 45-year-old George Nicholas Bankuti, reportedly dropped his sunglasses, cell phone and driver’s license on the patio before leaving the second scene.

Deputies canvassed the area and found Bankuti, who did not answer as to why he was loitering in the residential neighborhood at night.

As deputies searched Bankuti’s bag, they found several baggies containing a total of 57.8 grams of methamphetamine, 3.2 grams of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.

Bankuti has been charged with loitering and prowling, trafficking methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bankuti also has an extensive criminal history in Lee County, including several arrests for drug possession.