A multiweek Halloween compliance sweep conducted in Polk County resulted in the arrest of 24 registered sex offenders and one registered sexual predator, authorities announced.
The joint initiative, carried out by Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Florida Department of Corrections probation officers, focused on verifying compliance with state sex offender and predator registration statutes as well as court-ordered probation terms.
Under Florida supervision rules, sex offenders and predators on probation are barred from participating in Halloween festivities, including distributing candy, displaying holiday decorations, and making contact with children. On October 31, investigators conducted 126 searches and verified compliance for 300 registrants across the county.
“We hope everyone had a very safe Halloween, made even safer due to the hard work of our deputies and probation officers ensuring that these sex offenders and predators are complying with their court-mandated registrations and requirements,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. “We do not tolerate any violation of sex offender registration laws or probation requirements.”
County records indicate 1,448 total registrants in Polk County, comprising 1,278 sexual offenders, 152 sexual predators, and 18 juvenile sex offenders. The sheriff’s office conducts compliance checks on registrants once every quarter, exceeding the state-mandated minimum of one check per year.
Authorities released details on the 25 individuals taken into custody during the operation.
Arnulfo Morales, 69, a registered sexual predator convicted in 2015 of sexual battery and coercing a child, was arrested for a probation violation after leaving his residence without his court-ordered electronic monitoring device.
Carlton Polite, 42, was arrested for a probation violation after failing to obey orders from his probation officer. Polite was convicted in 2002 of lewd or lascivious battery involving a victim aged 12 to 15.
Charles Bailey, 63, was charged with failure to comply with registration laws after missing his required registration month. His registration stems from a 1998 aggravated sexual abuse conviction.
David Scheib, 56, was arrested on 134 counts of possession of child pornography following a search of his cloud-storage accounts. Scheib was previously convicted of child pornography possession in 2013.
Derricko Williams, 50, faces 12 counts of failing to register a vehicle within the required 48-hour window. Williams was convicted in 2001 of lewd or lascivious battery on a victim under 16.
Dylan Garcia, 41, was arrested for violating pretrial release conditions after failing to charge his electronic monitor. Garcia was convicted in federal court in 2015 of using interstate commerce to entice a minor into sexual activity.
Giram Lebron, 42, was arrested for a probation violation. Lebron was convicted in 2026 of digital voyeurism by an adult on a victim under 16.
Jakob Campbell, 23, was arrested for violating probation after officers found him in possession of an internet-capable device. Campbell was convicted in 2024 of sexual exploitation of a child.
James Fullwood, 36, was arrested for petit theft, violating the terms of his probation. Fullwood was convicted in 2011 of lewd or lascivious sexual battery on a victim aged 12 to 15.
John Burgess, 50, was arrested for failing to register during his assigned month. Burgess was convicted in 2001 of lewd assault and sexual battery on a victim under 16.
John Fleming Jr., 43, was arrested for a probation violation after failing to register three email addresses. Fleming was convicted in 2003 of lewd or lascivious battery on a victim aged 12 to 15.
Jonathan Ortiz, 35, was arrested on domestic violence charges, constituting a probation violation. Ortiz was convicted in 2018 of traveling to meet a minor for sex.
Marino Lopez, 39, was arrested for a probation violation after failing to report multiple online identifiers. Lopez was convicted in 2026 of using a computer to engage in sexual conduct with a minor.
Matthew Thompson, 45, was arrested for violating probation by having unauthorized contact with a minor. Thompson was convicted in 2013 of unlawful sexual activity with minors aged 16 to 17.
Rameir Jones Jr., 23, was arrested for possessing an unregistered cellular phone, a violation of his probation. Jones was convicted in 2024 of sending harmful material to a minor.
Raymond Holcomb, 47, was arrested for failing to register during his designated month. Holcomb was convicted in 2012 of sexual battery.
Robin Scott, 62, was arrested for failing to complete monthly registration. Scott was convicted in 1998 of sexual battery on a child under 12.
Ron Copeland, 65, was arrested for failing to update his home address within 48 hours of relocating. Copeland was convicted in 1998 of lewd or lascivious battery on a child under 16.
Ronnie Ross, 46, was arrested for failing to register a vehicle within 48 hours. Ross was convicted in 2007 of lewd or lascivious battery on a victim aged 12 to 15.
Russell Harwell, 38, was arrested for violating probation after testing positive for alcohol. Harwell was convicted in 2016 of lewd or lascivious molestation of a victim aged 12 to 15.
Sean Mcilwain, 38, was arrested for failing to register during his designated month. Mcilwain was convicted in 2014 of possession of child pornography.
Todd Hunsicker, 61, was arrested for failing to complete registration during his required month. Hunsicker was convicted in 2002 of risk of injury to a minor.
Toshiba Sanders, 50, was arrested for violating probation after failing to maintain a required driving log. Sanders was convicted in 2014 of lewd or lascivious sexual battery on a victim aged 12 to 15.
Ventrell Martin, 43, was arrested on outstanding warrants for absconding from registration and battery on a law enforcement officer. Martin was convicted in 2007 of lewd or lascivious sexual battery on a victim aged 12 to 15.
Vicente Reyes, 33, was arrested for violating probation by possessing an internet-capable mobile device. Reyes was convicted in 2011 of lewd or lascivious sexual battery on a victim aged 12 to 15.
Florida law mandates that convicted offenders and predators maintain up-to-date records with law enforcement regarding addresses, vehicles, phone numbers, online accounts, employment, and physical descriptions within specific statutory time frames.
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