Executive Summary
- The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI have officially closed their investigation into Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno.
- Authorities concluded there was no basis for federal prosecution based on the information known to the government, and no charges were filed.
- The investigation stemmed from allegations of money laundering which Sheriff Marceno has consistently described as false and political.
Federal authorities have concluded a year-long investigation into Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, finding no basis for federal prosecution, according to an official letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The investigation, which stemmed from allegations of money laundering reportedly raised by a political opponent, was formally closed by both the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and the FBI.
In a letter dated November 18, 2025, and sent to Marceno’s attorney, Donald Day, the U.S. Attorney’s Office officially confirmed the conclusion of the probe. The letter stated, in part, “based on information presently known to the government and the principles of federal prosecution, our office and the FBI have closed this investigation as of November 17, 2025.”
The allegations prompted a significant federal inquiry into the sheriff’s activities. Throughout the process, Sheriff Marceno maintained that the claims were false and politically motivated. The closure of the case effectively clears him of the federal allegations that were under review.
The conclusion of the federal probe resolves the matter without any charges being filed against the sheriff. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.