Two arrested for damages done at Inn Golf Course
Two teenagers from out of state were arrested this week after being caught by Lee County deputies for some disturbing crimes.
According to reports, on Tuesday, June 27 Lee County Sheriff’s detectives were informed of grand theft and criminal mischief that occurred at the Gasparilla Inn Golf Course. Detectives learned that the golf course was under repair and multiple pieces of heavy equipment had been moved overnight. Two suspects had entered the property and driven multiple pieces of equipment around the course.
The heavy machinery, golf course and storage sheds were all damaged. According to LCSO earlier in the week, the damage to the course and equipment was estimated at around $33,000. However, it is likely that the final cost will be much more.
When detectives arrived on the scene, they located multiple sets of bicycle tire tracks through bunkers and near the equipment.
LCSO says surveillance footage at a nearby business led them to two suspects, Charles Hughes and Gianni Cicatello, both 16, of Buffalo, New York, who were staying in Port Charlotte at the time.
Witnesses also identified the two suspects and said they were shown a video of the suspects using the equipment on the golf course.
Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office on five counts of grand theft and two counts of criminal mischief.
“We welcome everyone to come and enjoy Lee County. But here we welcomed a family from New York, who came to Boca Grande and committed felony criminal mischief and destroyed property,” said Sheriff Carmine Marceno. “We do not tolerate that behavior, and I am proud of the immediate work of my detectives who went out looking for the suspects responsible for the damage. I hope the suspects enjoy their extended vacation in jail,” said Marceno.
Marceno also said that the Lee County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the assistance of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office in taking these two juveniles into custody.
