Second LCSO deputy arrested in Cape Coral on DUI charges, Sheriff Carmine Marceno says
Within a week, a second Lee County Sheriff's deputy is on unpaid leave, accused of driving drunk in Cape Coral, Sheriff Carmine Marceno announced Wednesday.
Marceno announced that Deputy Keith Likus, 48, of Cape Coral, was arrested early Wednesday. He was released hours later on a $1,000 bond, jail records indicate.
Likus was arrested on the DUI charge after police stopped him for a traffic infraction. The sheriff's office said he was off-duty, driving his personal car, and had worked until 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Likus' arrest came a week after a similar arrest of another deputy on impaired driving charges. In that incident, police went to wreck early July 25 on Southwest Pine Island Road where they arrested Roberto Fabela, 51. He's next due in court Sept. 28 for a docket sounding hearing.
Likus, a corrections deputy, has been with the sheriff's office since 2009, Marceno said.
He was driving his private car near Del Prado Boulevard when Cape Coral Police started a traffic stop stemming from an undisclosed traffic infraction.
"I never condone drinking and driving," Marceno said.
Marceno added that Likus' arrest is an open criminal case.
"As we do understand, this job is a very stressful job," Marceno said. "... We see the worst of the worst at times."
Marceno said that to prevent similar incidents, they offer an Employee Assistance Program, which is confidential.
"We're going to watch the criminal case unfold," Marceno said. "So as the criminal case unfolds, once that's complete, we will immediately begin our fact-finding internal affairs investigation."
Marceno said he then evaluates the facts on a case-by-case basis.
"It's unfortunate that we've had two cases in the last week," Marceno said of his 1,700-plus member agency.
Marceno said that since he was appointed the Lee County sheriff five years ago, Likus is the third deputy arrested on impaired driving charges.
Marceno said Likus has minor disciplinary actions on his record for tardiness, but it otherwise clear.
The sheriff's office said Likus is on administrative leave without pay. He's next due in court Aug. 21 for his arraignment.
He's one of five deputies arrested in recent months.
Other deputies arrested in recent months
Two Lee County deputies accused of pouring hot water on at least three inmates have had their charges reduced earlier last spring.
Another deputy was fired and arrested after authorities said he shared confidential information linked to street racing on a social media platform with individuals tied to the issue
Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran, Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews and Twitter @TomasFRoBeltran.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: LCSO deputy arrested on DUI one week after another deputy
