Cape Coral, Florida – A Cape Coral woman has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies following an investigation into the unauthorized apply of a local business’s credit card. Renee Lynn Companioni, 47, was taken into custody on March 3, 2026, after detectives with the Cape Coral Police Department’s Economic Crimes Unit linked her to approximately $1,951.79 in fraudulent transactions. The case highlights the growing threat of credit card fraud and the importance of vigilance for both businesses and individuals.
The investigation began on December 7, 2025, when officers responded to a fraud complaint filed by a local air conditioning company. According to police reports, the company received an alert from Chase Bank regarding suspicious activity on their business credit card. A review of recent transactions revealed unauthorized purchases at several locations in Cape Coral and surrounding areas, including a smoke shop. The victim quickly identified these transactions as fraudulent.
Detectives determined that the credit card had been physically taken from the business and used repeatedly before being returned to the office. In total, approximately 14 unauthorized transactions were identified, occurring at a variety of businesses including a nail salon, a grocery store and a restaurant, in addition to the smoke shop. Through a combination of receipt analysis, video surveillance footage, and written statements from employees and businesses, investigators were able to connect Companioni to the fraudulent activity.
Card Returned to Desk Drawer, Police Say
According to the Cape Coral Police Department, an employee at the air conditioning company reported witnessing Companioni return the stolen credit card to a desk drawer within the business. The card was later recovered from that location. This detail proved crucial in building the case against Companioni, providing a clear link between her and the stolen property. The investigation into business card theft and fraud ultimately led to her arrest.
On March 3, 2026, patrol officers located Companioni in the vicinity of 2400 Del Prado Boulevard North. She was detained based on the probable cause established by the detectives’ investigation and subsequently arrested. Companioni is now facing two felony charges:
- Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information (F.S.S. 817.568(2)(a), 3rd Degree Felony)
- Grand Theft $750 or more but less than $5,000 (F.S.S. 812.014(2)(c)1, 3rd Degree Felony)
Background on the Accused
Records indicate that Renee Lynn Companioni was born on March 2, 1978, making her 47 years old at the time of her arrest. Public records show she currently resides in Cape Coral, Florida, and previously lived in Fort Myers. She has also been known by several variations of her name, including Renee L Companroni and L Companioni Renee.
Potential Penalties
Both charges against Companioni are classified as third-degree felonies under Florida law. A conviction for Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information could result in a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $5,000. Grand Theft, with a value between $750 and $5,000, also carries a potential prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $5,000. The specific penalties imposed will depend on a variety of factors, including Companioni’s prior criminal history and the judge’s discretion.
The Cape Coral Police Department has not released further details regarding the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the department directly. This incident serves as a reminder for businesses to regularly monitor their financial accounts and report any suspicious activity immediately. Protecting your business from cybersecurity threats and physical theft is crucial in today’s economic climate.
Companioni is currently awaiting her next court appearance. Details regarding the date and time of that hearing have not yet been released by the Lee County Clerk of Court. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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