CLEWISTON — Over the past week, in response to dozens of burglaries, members of the Clewiston Police Department have been investigating leads and conducting surveillance on several known burglary suspects. On July 12, 2023, surveillance officers arrested 43-year-old Javier Crespo, homeless. He was charged with Theft and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He remains in the custody of the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office on $10,000. Burglary charges related to other cases are forthcoming.

On Monday, July 17, after developing additional probable cause, surveillance officers observed 36-year-old Arthur Anthony Rowell, Jr., homeless. He was arrested and charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools, theft, and criminal mischief. He is being held at the Hendry County Jail without bond, due to a previous felony record.

As our investigators continue to processes cases and recovered stolen property, more charges are forthcoming. In addition, there is current probable cause for additional suspects. However, information on our additional suspects is not being released at this time.

We would like to thank Sheriff Steve Whidden and his team for their partnership. During the course of this investigation, the Hendry County Sheriff’s Department provided their Observation Tower for monitoring of a known location frequented by the suspects. Critical information was also received from Crime Stopper tips.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Clewiston Police Department at 863-983-1474, message us on Facebook, or email us at police@clewiston-fl.gov.