An American individual named Worden Bourn was apprehended in waters near Cuba while attempting to evade U.S. justice. The arrest occurred aboard a vessel, as revealed by the Lee County Sheriff's Office in Florida.
Bourn, who lived in Fort Myers Beach and was a registered sex offender, had been on the run after failing to appear in court. He was accused of supplying drugs and alcohol to a minor.
The incident dates back to December 2025 when he was initially arrested. Authorities discovered a minor on his sailboat who was intoxicated and under the influence of narcotics.
Further investigation led to four additional charges tied to violating his status as a sex offender.
In February 2026, Bourn skipped a court appearance, prompting an arrest warrant. Officials later found out he had purchased a new boat and intended to flee to Costa Rica.
On February 26, Cuban authorities intercepted Bourn at sea after he claimed his boat ran out of fuel and sought assistance to continue his journey.
Once detained, coordination for his return to the U.S. involved multiple agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Embassy in Havana, and Diplomatic Security Services, as stated in the Lee County Sheriff's announcement.
On Monday, Bourn was transported back to the United States and is currently held in the Miami-Dade County Jail, pending transfer to Lee County.
Authorities have indicated that, in addition to outstanding charges, Bourn will face new allegations for leaving the country in violation of his registered sex offender conditions.
Key Questions on the Bourn Case
Why was Worden Bourn originally arrested?
Worden Bourn was initially arrested for providing drugs and alcohol to a minor, who was found intoxicated and under the influence on his sailboat.
What led to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Bourn?
An arrest warrant was issued for Bourn after he failed to appear in court in February 2026.
How was Bourn captured by Cuban authorities?
Cuban authorities intercepted Bourn at sea after he claimed his boat ran out of fuel and sought help to continue his escape.