Press Releases

Child abusers, molesters
Oct. 17, 2009

They were supposed to be in positions of authority – protecting the younger children in their families. But instead, they chose to sexually abuse the children entrusted to their care. Several fugitives are facing life in a jail once they’re caught.

“People teach their children to look for the scary guy, the monster – they don’t tell children to beware of the people in their own families – who are offenders," said Sgt. Tammey Gray.

But sadly, some of Southwest Florida’s most dangerous criminals are fugitives who have preyed upon the most innocent of victims – children who were relatives or close friends of the family. Children who once looked up to these people – then had their lives shattered by abuse and manipulation.

One of the most recent additions to Lee County’s 10 Most Wanted list is one of those men – Sheldon Cadore.

Investigators say Cadore confessed in 2004 to sexual battery on his 11 year old stepson. But when it came time for trial a few months later, Cadore was a no show. A jury went ahead and found him guilty, and a judge sentenced him to spend the rest of his life in jail. But before he could spend his first day behind bars, Cadore took off.

Also joining the ranks with Cadore on the 10 Most Wanted list is fugitive Carlos Arias and Troy Bolin. Both are accused of raping their own stepdaughters, then leaving the area after the victims finally had the bravery to tell a trusted adult.

“He looked very normal – put up a front that he was a very religious man… hard working, took care of the kids. But behind that exterior, he was a child molester," Gray said.

Eduardo Guzman spent most of 2007 behind bars for sexually molesting four of his brothers and sisters over the course of several years. He was released from jail a few months ago, and was supposed to show back up for a court date. Instead, he’s gone into hiding.

Finding the fugitives accused of heinous crimes on children is priority one for Sgt. Tammey Gray. Every day that they walk the streets free is another day that yet another child could fall victim.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have the child molester stamp to put on their heads. If we did, we sure wouldn’t have more kids being victimized," Gray said.

Anyone with information on these sexual offenders on the run is encouraged 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.