CAPE CORAL
A former Cape Coral fire inspector is under investigation after alarming allegations of child porn surface.
In 2022, Fort Myers police were tipped off that child porn was on an account that belong to Michael Burkhart, an 18-year employee of Cape Coral.
The first thing Burkhart did was send an email to the city saying he would retire, effective on Jan. 6.
Burkhart declined to speak to WINK News about the allegations against him.
A fact-finding report obtained by WINK News says the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children notified Fort Myers police in May 2022 after Snapchat tipped them off to suspected child porn on Burkhart’s account.
In July, FMPD detectives searched two years’ worth of Burkhart’s Snapchat data and found multiple images depicting child porn.
On Aug, 2, detectives along with agents from Homeland Security searched his home and seized 17 items.
But no one will say what those detectives took.
Burkhart denied using Snapchat.
“I don’t even have the app anymore,” he said.
But the same report says Burkhart’s wife told investigators that he did.
And Burkhart, for a second time, denied using Snapchat.
That same day, Cape Coral Fire Chief Ryan Lamp said he would be suspended with pay until an investigation of possible disciplinary action is complete.
Then in December 2022, Cape Coral fire got ahold of Fort Myers police findings and decided to discipline Burkhart.
But on Dec. 16, Burkhart sent an email saying he would retire effective Jan. 6.
Lamb told WINK News in a statement: “Firefighters have a sacred duty to uphold the public’s trust and serve the community. Mr. Burkhart alleged actions severely betray these core values.”
Fort Myers police told WINK News the criminal investigation into Burkhart continues.
Cape fire said if a judge or jury convicts him on child porn charges, Burkhart will not collect his pension.
WINK NEWS