“Operation Creep Sweep”: 12 people arrested in Volusia County sex offender investigation

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Florida. – On Tuesday, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office announced a dozen arrests as part of its months-long “Operation Creep Sweep.”

In a press release, officials said the investigation began in April and the focus of the operation is on apprehending sex offenders and sexual predators.

According to VSO, several of the suspects – who had previous convictions for crimes against children – were found to be using email and social media accounts that were not registered as required under state law.

“Some had child pornography on their electronic tablet or cell phone. We had some who filmed themselves having sex and then sent the video to their daughter,” said Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood. “And then there were some who were arrested for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old.”

Those arrested during the operation and the charges against them are as follows:

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Joshua Jobe, 24 – SEX OFFENDER

Body-worn camera video shows officers tackling Jobe on the street in April. In the video, Jobe allegedly claims not to know his first name.

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Patrick Fulton, 57 – SEX OFFENDER

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Thomas Yates, 68 – SEX OFFENDER

A bodycam video released by the VSO shows the arrest of Thomas Yates in April.

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Ervin Jones, 45 — SEXUAL PREDATOR

A body-worn camera video released by the VSO shows Jones being led through a building by officers in April.

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Brian Eckelbecker, 43 – SEX OFFENDER

Footage released by the VSO shows a conversation between a detective and Eckelbecker after his arrest.

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John Fontaine, 43

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Jose Renteria, 33

• FEES:

  • Transmission of obscene/harmful material to minors

  • Unauthorized use of a two-way communication device

  • Promoting a child’s sexual behavior

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Andres Escobar, 28

FEES:

• Traveling to meet minors for sexual activities

• Using a computer/Internet service to solicit minors to engage in sexual activity

• Unlawful use of a two-way communication device

A body-worn camera video released by the VSO shows Escobar’s arrest nearly two weeks ago.

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Darren East, 31

• FEES:

  • Traveling to meet minors for sexual activities

  • Using a computer/Internet service to solicit minors to engage in sexual activity

  • Unlawful use of a two-way communication device

A bodycam video released by the VSO shows East’s arrest nearly two weeks ago.

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Rodolfo Odio Diaz, 23

• FEES:

  • Traveling to meet minors for sexual activities

  • Using a computer/Internet service to solicit minors to engage in sexual activity

  • Unlawful use of a two-way communication device

  • Possession of utensils

  • An illegal immigrant/alien is currently being held in prison

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Mathieu Lortie, 34

A bodycam video released by the VSO shows Lortie’s arrest earlier this month. His mother witnesses Lortie being handcuffed.

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John McVeigh, 55

Footage released by the VSO shows an interview between McVeigh and a detective.

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