Vicente N. Funes Cruz, 42, of Naples, was found guilty of Sexual Activity with a Child and Lewd or Lascivious Molestation. The jury deliberated for about an hour before returning the guilty
verdict following a three-day trial in Naples.
In 2019, the defendant touched a child inappropriately, several times, over a period of months. The child confided in a family member and then to a friend at school. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office was contacted and began an investigation. Cruz admitted to the crime, to both the family and law enforcement, but claimed
he thought the victim was someone else. He was then arrested.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 2nd. Assistant State Attorney Natalie Stowe Heiderscheit and Assistant State Attorney Jennifer Brown prosecuted the case.
Samantha Syoen – Communications Director, State Attorney’s Office