Charlotte County Detective Honored for Capturing Sex Predator

Detective Don Woelke recognized for second consecutive year for locating and apprehending a sex offender who lured a 13-year-old girl from Texas.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:52am

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Detective Don Woelke of the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office has been recognized as the 'Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year' for the second consecutive year by the U.S. Attorney's Office Middle District of Florida. The award acknowledges his dedication to locating and apprehending a sex predator who lured a 13-year-old girl from Texas.

Why it matters

This award highlights the critical work of law enforcement in protecting vulnerable children from sexual predators. The case demonstrates the challenges in prosecuting these types of crimes, which can often take years to resolve through the legal system.

The details

Even though the initial arrest occurred nearly five years ago, in 2021, the case progressed through the federal court system. The trial concluded in January 2025, with sentencing issued in June 2025. The U.S. Attorney's Office highlighted Detective Woelke's efforts in coordinating law enforcement agencies across Southwest Florida and Dilley, Texas, to gather evidence leading to the guilty verdict.

  • The initial arrest occurred in 2021.
  • The trial concluded in January 2025.
  • The sentencing was issued in June 2025.

The players

Don Woelke

A detective with the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office who has been recognized as the 'Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year' for the second consecutive year by the U.S. Attorney's Office Middle District of Florida.

Bill Prummell

The sheriff of the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, who praised Detective Woelke's dedication and passion for his work in protecting vulnerable populations.

Vincent Joseph Robusto

A 41-year-old sex predator who lured a 13-year-old girl from Texas and was sentenced to nearly 34 years in federal prison.

Yolande Viacava

An Assistant U.S. Attorney who nominated Detective Woelke for the prestigious award.

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What they’re saying

“He is passionate about his work, and he has embraced the challenges that come with this difficult position. Don is truly an asset to the task force and to the CCSO, protecting our most vulnerable population from the vilest of crimes. Congratulations, brother, on this well-deserved award!”

— Bill Prummell, Sheriff, Charlotte County Sheriff's Office (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Vincent Joseph Robusto out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical role of dedicated law enforcement officers like Detective Woelke in protecting children from sexual predators. It also demonstrates the challenges in prosecuting these types of crimes, which can take years to resolve through the legal system.