The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said that on Friday, July 16, at approximately 2:40 p.m., deputies responded to the Lehigh Acres Public Pool, located at 1400 W. 5th Street in Lehigh regarding a complaint that a registered sexual offender, identified as Joseph Comfort, 57, was in violation of Lee County Ordinance 09-19 (Child Safety Zone) which states “that a sexual predator is not allowed in any public or private playgrounds and play facilities to include any public swimming pool during such times that is being used by children.”

When deputies arrived at the pool they encountered Comfort sunbathing, with approximately 20 to 30 children within close proximity.

Deputies said they confirmed with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Sexual Predator/Offender Unit that Comfort had been made aware of, and acknowledged, the county ordinance.

Comfort was arrested and transported to the Lee County Jail for processing. He has been cited for violating the Child Safety Zone ordinance.

Comfort is the first individual to be arrested in Lee County for violating this ordinance since it was passed on March 24, 2009.

His address is listed as 512 E. Jackson Avenue, Lehigh Acres.