Press Releases

Multi-DUI fugitives
March 21, 2009

Statistics show that on average, a person drives drunk 200 times before they’re ever caught for their crime. This week we profile several of our area fugitives who are dodging the law after repeat violations of DUI.

They’re a collection of fugitives all with their own stories - but there’s one common thread they all share - multiple arrests for drunk driving, then skipping out on their probation and not owning up to the crimes they’ve committed.

“A lot of them are still out there, doing what they do, driving drunk, even though their license has been taken away," said Lee County Sheriff's Office Victim's Advocate Brenda Gellinger.

Law enforcement officers throughout Southwest Florida say they’re often seeing the same faces over and over – no sooner getting out of jail for one DUI charge, then getting pulled over just a short time later for the same crime.

“There are times when one case isn’t even settled, and you’re arresting them a second time for DUI," said Cpl. Ed Sommers of the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

Take Kenneth Schonvisky - a 59 year old Lehigh man who keeps repeating history and landing in jail for drunk driving. Or Allen Krotzer, a three time offender, or Stephen Siegel, who has five DUI convictions since 1990. Today, all three are still on the run.

In the case of Kenneth Schonvisky, the State of Florida permanently revoked his drivers license back in 1991 after years of driving offenses, and four convictions for DUI. But despite that, he’s had the audacity to continue to get behind the wheel and drive for the last 18 years - with absolutely no regard for the law.

“I don’t know if he’s ever going to learn. Hopefully he doesn’t hurt anyone in the process," Sommers said.

Another commonality these fugitives share is a complete lack of regard for the safety of others - and a blatant disrespect for the law.

“Driving in the State of Florida is a privilege, not a right. And when that privilege is revoked by the state, you can’t just continue to drive," Sommers said.

Yet these fugitives do just that - driving on our roadways, often times drunk, putting all of us at risk. Victim advocate Brenda Gellinger said the fact these fugitives are avoiding their sentences just adds salt to the wounds of the victims whose lives they’ve affected.

“A crime is a crime and you need to pay a price. You made a bad choice, so make it right," Gellinger said.

Anyone with information on Kenneth Schonvisky or any wanted fugitive is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for up to $1,000 in cash rewards. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org.