NAPLES, FL — A 38-year-old man claiming to represent a local youth football team is facing multiple felony fraud charges after Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) detectives say he scammed residents by selling fake raffle tickets for an NFL game.
Jacob Donald Thielking, of Naples, was arrested Monday, July 28, 2025, near the intersection of Radio Road and Radio Lane. Investigators say he had a binder full of fraudulent raffle tickets and falsely claimed to be a coach for the Naples Gators, a local Pop Warner youth football and cheerleading organization.
CCSO began investigating after representatives of Naples Gators Inc. reported receiving complaints from residents about a man going door-to-door claiming to sell raffle tickets to a Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Jets game as a fundraiser. Victims gave the man money but never received tickets.
Thielking was not affiliated with the Naples Gators, and detectives confirmed the raffle was nonexistent. At the time of his arrest, Thielking was out on bond from Manatee County on unrelated grand theft and fraud charges, including exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult.
According to CCSO, Thielking had been seen in several neighborhoods, including:
- Royal Wood
- Wilshire Lakes
- Heritage Greens
- Tuscany Cove
- Indigo Lakes
He now faces charges that include misrepresentation of a charitable organization.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of the scam is encouraged to contact the CCSO Call Before You Pay Hotline at 239-252-2255 or the non-emergency line at 239-252-9300.
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