Detective Honored for Second Year in Pursuit of Justice
Detective Don Woelke of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office has been recognized as “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-vintage girl from Texas.
A Five-Year Pursuit Concludes
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. Vincent Joseph Robusto, age 41, was sentenced to nearly 34 years in federal prison and will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.
Coordinated Effort Brings Predator to Justice
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. Sheriff Bill Prummell stated, “He is passionate about his work, and he has embraced the challenges that come with this difficult position. Don is truly an asset… protecting our most vulnerable population.”
Decades of Dedicated Service
Detective Woelke has served with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office for 21 years, with a total of 27 years in law enforcement. He has spent over 10 years on the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yolande Viacava nominated Woelke for the prestigious award.
The Case Details
Robusto convinced the 13-year-old victim to mislead her parents, telling them she was attending a church retreat. He then purchased a one-way airline ticket for her to travel to Fort Myers, Florida, where he transported her throughout Southwest Florida while evading law enforcement.
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — Detective Don Woelke, of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, was recognized as the outstanding law enforcement officer of the year by the U.S. Attorney’s Office Middle District of Florida for the second consecutive year.
The recognition stems from his work in locating and apprehending a sex predator who lured a 13-year-old girl from Texas for sexual purposes. The sheriff’s office indicated that, although the arrest was made almost five years ago, the trial concluded in January 2025 and the sentencing was issued in June 2025.
Sheriff Bill Prummell stated: “think of anyone more deserving than Don to receive this award. He is passionate about his work and 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!”
The CCSO noted that Woelke has been with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office for 21 years.
