12 Arrested in Volusia County Sex Crimes Operation

A dozen suspects were arrested by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office in recent weeks as part of the agency’s two-month ‘Operation Creep Sweep’. The perpetrators were booked on a variety of charges, and several were already registered sex offenders from previous offenses. The pattern of previously convicted offenders is no coincidence; according to a statement this week from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, a conscious effort was made to focus the investigation on those with a history of committing sex crimes. Participating agencies in the investigation and stings include the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, State Attorney (FL-7th Circuit), and the Port Orange Police Department. The individuals arrested were as follows, along with their ages, city of residence and charges. If a release date is not noted, the suspect is still at the Volusia County Branch Jail as of Wednesday afternoon. Rodolfo Odio Diaz (33, Port Orange) Traveling to meet a minor for sexual activity Using a computer/internet service to solicit a minor for sexual activity Unlawful use of a two-way communication device Possession of drug paraphernalia Illegal immigrant/alien hold Darren East (31, Port Orange) (released May 31st) Traveling to meet a minor for sexual activity Using a computer/internet service to solicit a minor for sexual activity Unlawful use of a two-way communication device Brian Eckelbecker (43, Holly Hill) Failing to register social media/email as a sex offender (x5) Andres Escobar (28, Deltona) Traveling to meet a minor for sexual activity Using a computer/internet service to solicit a minor for sexual activity Unlawful use of a two-way communication device John Fontaine (43, Canton, GA) Lewd/lascivious conduct (x2) Patrick Fulton (57, Holly Hill) (released May 16th) Failing to register social media/email as a sex offender (x4) Joshua Jobe (24, DeLand) Failing to register social media/email as a sex offender (x4) Possession of sexual performance by a child (x50) Tampering with electronic monitoring device Giving false name upon being arrested/detained Ervin Jones (45, Ormond Beach) (released May 28th) Failing to register social media/email as a sex offender (x3) Mathieu Lortie (35, Daytona Beach) Possession of sexual performance by a child (x20) Illegal immigrant/alien hold John McVeigh (53, Deltona) Possession of sexual performance by a child (x8) Jose Renteria (33, DeLand) Transmitting obscene/harmful material to minors Unlawful use of a two-way communication device Promoting sexual behavior by a child Thomas Yates (68, DeLand) Failing to register social media/email as a sex offender (x4)