A joint operation between the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals Service resulted in the arrest of 59 registered sex offenders and predators. The initiative, dubbed "Operation Riverwatch," ran for two months, from June 15 to August 14, and involved more than 500 compliance checks.
During the operation, detectives dedicated over 230 hours to checking compliance among registered offenders and predators in Jacksonville. The 59 individuals arrested, aged between 21 and 76, are accused of violating rules they were required to follow after release from incarceration. The sheriff's office stated that these violations can lead to felony charges and further registration requirements.
Florida law mandates that registered sex offenders and predators adhere to specific registration and reporting protocols. While the specific violations for each of the 59 individuals were not detailed in the sheriff's office's announcement, the operation aimed to ensure these individuals remained in compliance with the law.
"These offenders found themselves back behind bars for breaking the rules," the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post. "Keeping watch on local sexual offenders and career offenders to keep you and your families safe."