Crime & Public Safety
Naples case raises questions about verifying text-message evidence
A Naples registered nurse says a disputed text message led to her second arrest while she was subject to a no-contact order. The case began in November 2024, when Melissa Sims called the Collier County Sheriff’s Office about property she said a former partner was taking from her residence. Deputies noticed scratches on the man and arrested Sims on a battery allegation; she maintained that he caused the marks himself.
After Sims was released with a no-contact order, her former partner reported receiving a message that investigators treated as a violation. Sims denied sending it. Her defense attorney, Donald Day, obtained records from both telephone providers and said the records showed no digital message leaving Sims’ account and no corresponding message reaching the other account.
The State Attorney’s Office dropped the alleged order violation in September 2025. Sims was found not guilty in the original battery case in December. Day said disputed digital records are appearing more frequently in family, custody and business cases and argued that investigators and courts need stronger authentication procedures.
Sims filed a complaint concerning the investigation and is seeking changes to state law. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office said its Professional Responsibility Bureau is reviewing her complaint and that the active review limits what the agency can discuss. The former partner has not been charged in connection with the disputed message and is not identified here.
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All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.