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Cape Coral man arrested “looking for fun” in Charlotte County park

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CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — An undercover operation at the Charlotte Flatwoods Environmental Park led to the arrest of a John Marler, 70, of Cape Coral.

On Dec. 8, an undercover deputy was walking through the park when he encountered Marler sitting on a nearby picnic table. A conversation ensued between the two, prior to the undercover deputy walking off down a trail. The deputy returned to the picnic table where another conversation began.

Minutes later, the two walked off down a trail. While they were walking, Marler said he was looking for “fun” and knew of a concealed location away from the picnic table where “stupid people” get caught.

During conversation, Marler exposed himself and tried to grab the undercover deputy inappropriately.

Marler was arrested and is facing charges of Exposure of Sexual Organs and Battery by Intentional Touch or Strike.

Deputies found a condom, and two different types of lubricants in Marler’s backpack.

This is the second undercover operation of 2020 with the goal of combating sexual activity occurring at the Charlotte County park.