Fort Myers Beach, FL – A Lee County fugitive allegedly attempting to flee the United States by boat was apprehended in Cuban waters and returned to Florida to face multiple charges, authorities said.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the case stems from incidents in December 2025 when Worden Bourn was allegedly arrested for providing a minor with drugs and alcohol after a missing juvenile was found intoxicated aboard his sailboat. Investigators said Bourn, a registered sex offender, was allegedly reviewed by the Sexual Offender and Predator Unit and subsequently faced additional alleged violations tied to his registration status.
Authorities said Bourn allegedly failed to appear in court in February 2026, prompting a warrant for his arrest. Investigators with the Fugitive Warrants Unit later learned he had allegedly purchased a new boat and planned to flee toward Costa Rica.
On Thursday, February 26, Cuban officials reportedly made contact with Bourn in Cuban waters after he allegedly claimed his vessel had run out of fuel and requested assistance. Officials detained him on outstanding failure-to-appear warrants.
With assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Marshals Service, Bourn was extradited back to the United States. On Monday, members of the U.S. Marshals Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force reportedly took custody of Bourn in Cuba and returned him to U.S. soil.
Authorities said Bourn is currently being held in the Miami-Dade County Jail and is awaiting extradition back to Lee County. Upon his return, officials said he will allegedly face additional charges, including violations related to leaving the country while under legal obligations.
Officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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