Unsafe Hurricane Rebuild: Fort Myers Beach's Peeping Tom Contractor
As Fort Myers Beach Rebuilds Post-Ian, Residents Face Community Safety Concerns With The Return Of Sex Offender Contractor Robert McDuffie Moore
NOTE: This story was first published on Newsbreak. Read it HERE.
By Richard Luthmann
A community renowned for its picturesque beaches and laid-back attitude, Fort Myers Beach is at a crossroads. The town strives to rebuild post-Hurricane Ian, and the effort has been phenomenal.
Bar and restaurants have re-opened. Locals and tourists flock to the sandy shores to soak up the sun. Margaritaville Beach Resort recently had its grand opening, with the ribbon cutting on its beachside Fins Up! Beach Club is happening this week. There is plenty of hope and velocity, a scant fifteen months after total devastation.
But this effort is overshadowed by a critical safety concern: the return of registered sex offender Robert McDuffie Moore to the contracting scene and questions about the ability of his supervisor, 74-year-old Donald L. Brinson, to actively monitor him.
This investigative report queries whether Fort Myers Beach's recovery is also measured by vigilance for the safety of residents and tourists alike. The choices made by Fort Myers Beach and Lee County officials will not only shape the town's immediate future. Still, they will also set a precedent for balancing critical safety concerns against the pressing need to return to business after a powerful disaster.
Moore, 63, was convicted in 2014 of video voyeurism and possessing child sexual performance materials after secretly recording over 4,000 videos in rental homes, primarily targeting tourists. His re-emergence in the contracting business under Brinson Development Co., Inc. has raised the alarm.
The "Peeping Tom" contractor's words, quoted in LCSO reports and court documents, paint a picture of a man aware of his deviant inclinations. His admission to his wife about his "sickness" and the need for help is a rare instance of self-awareness in such cases. However, self-awareness does not equate to rehabilitation, and the community's apprehension about his return to contracting is understandable.
Notably, Moore's registered sex offender address matches the address on the contractor permits filed throughout Lee County and in Fort Myers Beach, a detail that adds to the community's anxiety.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno has emphasized the importance of vigilance in light of Moore's past. "Our team immediately began an investigation when notified of Moore's crimes in 2014," Marceno stated. "We will continue to monitor the situation closely."
Sheriff Marceno admitted Moore hadn't done anything wrong, not yet.
"Our investigation yielded that Moore has abided by the terms of his probation...If you are hiring a contractor, I encourage you to vet them as much as possible, including online reviews and background checks. Ask for names of those coming into your home to complete work and stay vigilant," the popular sheriff said.
When contacted for comment, Moore's statement attempts to allay fears: "Property owners are aware of my background and current status." However, the community remains concerned, especially given the general contractor, Brinson's age, and the potential challenges he may face in effectively supervising Moore and his "sickness."
We spoke to several of Moore's recent and current customers during the investigation. They attest to his technical skills in contracting, which are not under question. However, it's his "sickness" that remains a grave concern, particularly given the strong statements by the U.S. Supreme Court, the DOJ, and Florida Corrections about the likelihood of sex offender recidivism.
The U.S. Supreme Court, most recently in the 2017 Packingham v. North Carolina case, has continually acknowledged the "frightening and high" risk of sex offenders reoffending.
A 2019 study released by the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics found that released sex offenders are significantly more likely to be arrested for rape or sexual assault compared to other released prisoners.
The DOJ's Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART) states that observed recidivism rates of sex offenders are underestimates of actual reoffending.
A Florida Department of Corrections 2022 report underscores this risk, stating nearly one in four sex offenders reoffend within three years of release, a rate comparable to violent crimes like burglary and robbery. These statistics paint a worrying picture for a community like Fort Myers Beach, where the safety of residents and tourists is paramount.
The situation raises an alarm for the safety of Fort Myers Beach, especially considering the area's reliance on tourism.
When approached for comment, Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers deferred questions to the town's law department, which has not provided a statement as of press time. This lack of direct communication from town leaders adds to the mounting concerns about whether adequate measures are in place to ensure close monitoring of Moore and those presenting similar risks.
Compounding this issue is the fact that Moore's registered sex offender address matches the address on these contractor permits. This detail had not alarmed local town or Lee County officials when the permits were filed. Moore's address and contact details appear on dozens of permits filed with the county clerk.
The community, while eager for a swift recovery from Hurricane Ian's devastation, is now grappling with the delicate balance between rebuilding efforts and ensuring public safety. Moore's case raises essential questions about the oversight of sex offenders during times of rapid reconstruction and the potential implications for the safety of residents and tourists alike.
As Fort Myers Beach navigates this complex challenge, the spotlight is on how well the town can manage the dual priorities of recovery and safety. The effectiveness of their approach will have lasting implications on public trust and the town's reputation as a safe, welcoming destination.
Would the mayor and the sheriff allow Robert McDuffie Moore to drive their kids home from school