Jose Jimenez

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has releasing the identity of Jose Jimenez in an effort to not only apprehend him, but make the public aware of his “modus operandi” to further protect against victimization of area citizens.

Detectives are currently seeking the location of Jimenez, 53.

Jimenez has three active felony warrants and additional felony charges stemming from a theft scam, according to authorities.

According to officials, Jimenez has been picking up and hiring day laborers at local labor pools, telling the victims that he has work for them to do.

At the job site, Jimenez makes the victims leave their wallets, cell phones and keys in his vehicle, while he shows them the site.

Investigators said Jimenez then returns to the vehicle to reportedly retrieve something, but leaves the victims behind stealing their wallets and personal belongings.

He is facing charges of two active felony warrants for failure to appear on grand theft charges, one active felony warrant for violation of probation and one open booking sheet for grand theft.

Investigators said there are two current grand theft cases.

If you have information on the location of Jimenez, you are being asked to contact Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS, or the LCSO at 239-477-1000.

Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office