Video: 12 Arrested During 'Operation Creep Sweep,' Targeting Sex Offenders And Predators

Date Added: June 11, 2024 5:09 pm

12 ARRESTED DURING 'OPERATION CREEP SWEEP,' TARGETING SEX OFFENDERS AND PREDATORS

A 2-month operation targeting sexual predators and offenders is officially complete.

Here's an update from Sheriff Mike Chitwood on several arrests since April during Operation Creep Sweep.

In addition to 3 suspects arrested for traveling to meet a minor for sex, this operation also focused on sex offenders and predators who were previously convicted of crimes against children.

Several of these defendants were found to be using email and social media accounts that were not registered as required by Florida law.

Those arrested were:
 

Joshua Jobe (DOB 8/20/1999)

*Sex offender*

Charges:

4 counts – Sex offender violation: Failing to register (social media and email accounts)

Patrick Fulton (DOB 5/30/1967)

*Sex offender*

Charges:

4 counts – Sex offender violation: Failing to register (email addresses and vehicle)

Thomas Yates (DOB 10/30/1955)

*Sex offender*

Ervin Jones (DOB 10/15/1978)

*Sexual predator*

Brian Eckelbecker (DOB 2/12/1981)

*Sex offender*

Charges:

5 counts – Sex offender violation: Failing to register (social media accounts)

John Fontaine (DOB 10/9/1980)

Charges:

2 counts – Lewd or lascivious conduct

Jose Renteria (DOB 8/27/1990)

Andres Escobar (DOB 10/18/1995)

Darren East (DOB 9/14/1992)

Rodolfo Odio Diaz (DOB 6/30/1990)

Charges:

Traveling to meet a minor for sexual activity
Using a computer/Internet service to solicit a minor for sexual activity
Unlawful two of two-way communication device
Possession of paraphernalia
Currently has illegal immigrant/alien hold at jail

Mathieu Lortie (DOB 2/12/1989)

Charges:

20 counts – Possession of sexual performance by a child
Currently has illegal immigrant/alien hold at jail.

John McVeigh (DOB 7/1/1968)

Charges:

8 counts – Possession of sexual performance by a child

This operation was a joint effort involving the Volusia Sheriff's Office (including our Child Exploitation Unit, Career Criminal Unit, and Crime Suppression Teams), the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the State Attorney, Florida's 7th Circuit, and the Port Orange Police Department.