A partner of the popular Cape Coral eatery Nevermind Awesome Bar & Grill faces conspiracy charges as well as those linked to prostitution, Lee County Jail records indicate.
Walter William «Wally» Thomas was arrested on Thursday, April 16, on five charges and spent the night in jail before being released on $90,000 bond. A two-year probe led to his arrest along with 9 others.
One of Thomas’ partners said the restaurant is not involved in Thomas’ legal issues.
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«It had nothing to do with Nevermind,» said Michael Gavala, a partner who joined Nevermind at its re-launch two years ago. «Basically, he’s a silent partner. Everything is news to us.»
The charges against Thomas include conspiracy/racketeering, living off the earnings of a prostitute, keeping a house of ill fame, fraud up to $20,000 and using a device to facilitate a felony, according to his jail report.
2-year prostitution sting leads to 10 arrests
Amira Fox, the state attorney of the 20th Judicial Circuit, announced at a press conference on Friday, April 17, that 10 people, including Thomas, were arrested in connection with a 2-year-long investigation.
Her office worked with several other local, state and federal agencies.The investigation, dubbed Operation Red Light, revealed the existence of several brothels throughout Lee County, which were found inside four business locations and four residential locations, Fox said.
«The brothels were hidden in plain sight, in areas among other businesses but with no signage,» Fox said. «One brothel was just feet away from a daycare in Fort Myers.»The 10 people arrested were:∎ Walter William Thomas∎ Fedner Alzime∎ Felicia Lynn Iglehart∎ Miriam Carlin Arnava∎ Tranesia Keeona Rebecca Denson∎ Antonio Martinez Blanco∎ David Arevalo∎ Alexis May Pierce∎ James “Jimmy†Joseph O'Brien∎ Yesney Perez Parra
What is Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery?
When it originally opened in 2012, Nevermind was one of the coolest hangouts around with chef/restaurateur/owner Shannon Yates creating in the open kitchen and craft cocktail guru Brittany Bowman making magic behind the bar.
Yates died in August 2021 after being hospitalized with COVID-19. Gavala and co-owners Wally Thomas and Dr. Brian Gear worked with Yates’ trust to take over the business at Cape Coral Parkway and SE 10th Place.
A post on Nevermind’s social media said the none of the staff or remaining partners have any involvement or «prior knowledge» of the incidents leading to Thomas arrest.
«Our team is made up of hardworking, dedicated individuals whose integrity should not be questions due to the actions of others,» the post reads, saying the focus remains on providing a safe environment for its guests.
What’s next for Wally Thomas?
Thomas’ arrest affidavit wasn’t immediately available on Friday, and no court records filed stated his lawyer’s information. Thomas could not be reached for comment.
He is due in court at 8:30 a.m. on May 18.
Stacey Henson is the breaking news and visuals editor for the Naples Daily News and Fort Myers News-Press. You can reach her at shenson@gannett.com
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