(June 3, 2025) — On April 7, 2025, patrol officers from the Cape Coral Police Department responded to a reported theft at the Home Depot located at 2508 Skyline Blvd S in Cape Coral, Florida. The incident involved fraudulent returns and attempted theft, which led to the identification of a suspect linked to fifteen other thefts at the store over recent months.
According to a Home Depot Loss Prevention officer, the suspect, later identified as Michael Bortz (DOB 02/24/1957), entered the store empty-handed and completed a fraudulent return of a garbage disposal valued at $249. Shortly thereafter, the suspect attempted to steal various items totaling $319.40. The individual was confronted by loss prevention personnel before leaving the premises but had already passed all points of sale.
Home Depot provided video surveillance footage of the incident. The suspect’s vehicle was identified, and further investigation confirmed that the registered owner was Michael Bortz.
Over the past four months, Bortz has been connected to multiple thefts exceeding $3,000 in merchandise from the same Home Depot location. A search warrant was executed at Bortz’s residence, where multiple stolen items were recovered. The stolen goods were reportedly used to renovate his personal residence as well as several condominium units on Fort Myers Beach.
Michael Bortz was arrested and taken to the Lee County Jail on the following charges:
–1 count in violation of F.S.S 812.014 (2c1), Grand Theft $750-5000
Arrested: Michael Bortz (DOB2/24/1957)
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