News


FDLE arrests Fort Myers man for social media threats

 

For Immediate Release                             

June 14, 2019

 

FORT MYERS, Fla. – FDLE agents arrested Joshua John Leff, 40, of 205 3rd Street, Fort Myers, for intimidation, sending written threats to kill and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.   

 

FDLE began its investigation after receiving a tip that Leff, using an alias, was posting statements and videos inciting violence against minority groups on social media sites Bitchute and Gab. 

 

Leff espoused hatred toward several minority groups, threatened violence against those who disagreed with him and encouraged followers to start a race war.  Videos showed Leff, a convicted felon, with multiple weapons and his writings praised mass shooters and said he wished they had killed more people. 

 

Agents served a search warrant at Leff’s residence earlier today and found guns, ammunition, handgun holsters and two .380 magazines. 

 

Leff was arrested at his home without incident and booked into the Lee County Jail.  This case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit.  

 

For Further Information Contact: 
Gretl Plessinger, Jessica Cary or Jeremy Burns
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.