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An American citizen, identified as Worden Bourn, was arrested in waters near Cuba after attempting to escape justice in the United States aboard a vessel, according to by the Lee County Sheriff's Office (Florida).
Bourn, a resident of Fort Myers Beach and registered as a sex offender, was wanted for failing to appear in court after being accused of providing drugs and alcohol to a minor.
According to the authorities, the case dates back to December 2025, when he was arrested after a minor was found on his sailboat, intoxicated and under the influence of narcotics.
Subsequently, further investigation led to four additional charges related to violations of his status as a sex offender.
In February 2026, Bourn did not appear in court, which led to the issuance of an arrest warrant. Authorities discovered that he had purchased a new vessel and planned to flee to Costa Rica.
On February 26, Cuban authorities intercepted Bourn at sea after the fugitive himself claimed that his boat had run out of fuel and requested assistance to continue his journey.
After being detained, arrangements were made for his return to the United States with the collaboration of several agencies, including the U.S. Marshals, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Embassy in Havana, and diplomatic security, states the Lee County Sheriff's Office's statement.
On Monday, Bourn was transferred back to U.S. territory and is currently being held in the Miami-Dade County jail, awaiting transfer back to Lee County.
Authorities indicated that, in addition to the pending charges, he will face new accusations for leaving the country in violation of the conditions imposed as a registered sex offender.
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