Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno is sending a strong warning to criminals, vowing to "hunt" them down and prosecute them to the full extent of the law. He criticizes liberal cities for their pro-criminal policies and urges those who support such policies to leave Florida.
Amidst the ongoing debate over criminal justice reform, Florida sheriffs have gained attention for their tough stance on crime. One such sheriff is Carmine Marceno of Lee County, who has issued an unequivocal message to criminals contemplating mischief in his jurisdiction: stay clear or face immediate jail time.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Sheriff Marceno expressed his frustration with liberal cities that prioritize leniency toward criminals. He pointed to policies such as eliminating cash bail and reducing incarceration as contributing to the rise in crime in these areas.
"My message is clear," Marceno declared. "If you think you can deal poison and commit crime, stay clear of Lee County and all the great state of Florida. We're ready, and we will absolutely find you, hunt you down, and charge you to the extent of the law."
Marceno also criticized those who flee liberal cities like New York and California for the safety and orderliness of Florida, only to continue advocating for the same policies that caused the problems they left behind.
"They want to leave California. They want to leave New York. Okay. And then they come down to a state like Florida, where we are law and order, and they don't change their views," he said. "You left a place where there's havoc, where people can rob, steal, loot, do drugs in safe havens. And then you're upset that it's so bad there, and you come here and still do the same thing. Same action, same result."
The sheriff urged those who persistently support far-left policies to return to the lawlessness they came from. "If you don't like living with law and order, have a nice day. Leave. Go back to where you came from because we don't want you here," he said.
Marceno highlighted the prevalence of unprovoked attacks in cities like New York, emphasizing that "the world has gone crazy." He also shared his disapproval of recent incidents in New York where squatters were allowed to remain on private property.
Sheriff Marceno's tough stance has resonated with many, including those who have witnessed his numerous drug busts and viral videos featuring him dancing with his SWAT team. Commenters have praised him as "more gangster than gangsters" and "the best sheriff in America."
Since his election in 2018, Marceno has executed nearly 800 search warrants and worked over 3,300 cases in narcotics, leading to just under 2,000 physical arrests. He warns criminals that they will be guaranteed a stay at the "Marceno Motel," his nickname for the county jail.
The general tone from Florida sheriffs contrasts sharply with that of law enforcement agencies in other cities. In April 2022, Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson sparked controversy when he advised home invaders that they should be shot. He later defended his comments, arguing that they were simply common sense.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has also made headlines for his aggressive stance on crime, famously suggesting that gun-owning residents should turn robbers into "grated cheese." He has also denounced the notion that the criminal justice system is racist, calling it "fiction" that makes him "want to throw up."
In response to concerns about pro-criminal voters in his county, Marceno urged them not to vote for him. "I'll tell people routinely, if you don't like that I stand for law and order, and you don't like that we incarcerate bad people, I'm not the person to vote for. I prefer you don't vote for me," he said.
The tough stance taken by Florida sheriffs reflects a growing backlash against the perception that liberal policies have weakened law enforcement and emboldened criminals. It remains to be seen whether this approach will succeed in reducing crime rates, but it has undoubtedly sent a strong message that lawlessness will not be tolerated in the Sunshine State.
