Man accused of RICO enters plea
A man pleaded no contest Tuesday to racketeering and other charges tied to a series of property crimes across Lee County, including Cape Coral.
John Altorance Johnson, 19, of 4655 Deleon St., Apt. 261, Fort Myers, entered the same plea to one count each of RICO, RICO conspiracy and grand theft of motor vehicle and to two counts each of dealing in stolen property, burglary of structure and grand theft.
He has a sentencing date set for March 14, according to court records.
In March, Johnson and three others were arrested and charged following a 16-month investigation by detectives with the Cape Coral Police Department. According to police officials, detectives had been investigating the group in connection to a large number of property crimes reported in the city.
During the investigation, detectives found that the individuals were working in concert to commit the crimes. Detectives also believed that the group was responsible for others. Together, local law enforcement determined that the group was responsible for more than two dozen crimes across Lee County.
An indictment issued by the State Attorney’s Office lists eight cases that cover three jurisdictions where the group joined forces, along with 20 other cases. State RICO, or Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, violations of racketeering and conspiracy were levied against all involved.
The others accused in the series of crimes included:
— Chris Lloyd Brown, 22, of 1901 Starnes Ave., Fort Myers
— Tenorris Devon Cummings, 24, of 1834 Delaware Ave., Fort Myers
— Kevonus Levon Green, 21, of 3011 Douglas St., Fort Myers
All three men have court dates scheduled for Dec. 20.
At the time of the arrests, police officials also reported that a fifth person was wanted in connection to the property crimes. It was unknown Thursday if that fifth person had been located by authorities and charged in the crimes.