Background on the Case

Lee County deputies recently captured a man who had eluded authorities for nearly 40 years. Jorge Milla-Valdes, originally from Puerto Rico, escaped from prison in 1987 and was believed to be residing in Lee County under the alias Luis Aguirre.

Details of the Investigation

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) received a tip from Puerto Rican authorities regarding Milla-Valdes. This information initiated an investigation into his whereabouts. Authorities discovered that Milla-Valdes had a history of criminal activity linked to the name Luis Aguirre, which included serious charges such as robbery and aggravated battery involving a deadly weapon in Monroe County.

Identifying the Fugitive

To confirm the identity of the suspect, LCSO’s Fugitive Warrants Unit obtained fingerprints from Puerto Rico dating back to 1986. These were compared with prints collected from Milla-Valdes’ criminal interactions in Monroe County.

After a thorough examination, the fingerprints matched, confirming the fugitive’s identity. Within two hours, deputies successfully located Milla-Valdes in Fort Myers Shores and placed him under arrest.

Conclusion

The apprehension of Jorge Milla-Valdes highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to resolve longstanding cases and bring fugitives to justice, regardless of how much time has elapsed. This case serves as a reminder that justice can prevail even after decades on the run.