Felipe Santos was on his way to work with his two brothers on Oct. 1, 2003, when he disappeared from Naples, FL. At about 6:30 a.m., Santos, a resident of Mexico who was living in the United States illegally, was involved in a minor car accident. Sheriff’s deputy Steve Calkins responded to the accident and cited Santos, 24, for reckless driving and driving without a license and insurance. Calkins placed Santos in the back of his car and drove away with him, as his brothers watched. This was the last time Santos was ever seen.
That afternoon Santos’ employer attempted to post bail for him but found out he had not been booked. Calkins said he decided to release Santos because he’d been “polite and cooperative” and dropped him off at a Circle K convenience store. Calkins’ statement was disputed by the other driver involved in the accident, who said the deputy was angry over Santos’ lack of documentation.
Two weeks after the incident, Santos’ family filed a missing persons report and a complaint against Calkins. Calkins was cleared of wrongdoing by an internal investigation. Just over three months later, Calkins was involved in a similar incident that led to the disappearance of another man, Terrance Williams. Calkins was fired from his job over his handling of the Williams case. On Aug. 30, 2018, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Calkins. Santos remains missing.