Escambia Sex Offender Busted In FDLE Operation

June 29, 2015

An Escambia County sex offender was among 42 arrested during a month and a half long operation coordinated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the U.S. Marshals and other agencies to hunt down offenders violating registration laws.

George R. Reddick of Escambia County was arrested in Geneva County, AL, by the Geneva County (AL) Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with FDLE and is awaiting extradition back to Florida. He was convicted in Escambia County in July 2001 of lewd assault sexual battery on a victim under 16.

“Operation Summer Heat should send a strong message to all sex offenders that Florida law enforcement is serious about registration,” said FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen.  “We are just beginning our work.  If you are a sex offender and you violate registration laws, we are looking for you.”

Arrests were made from either warrants initiated by FDLE’s EIS Unit or were the result of investigations by local sheriffs or police departments.  EIS was created in 2014 to assist local and federal agencies to locate sex offenders who have absconded, many of whom cross jurisdictional lines. Offenders who intentionally avoid registration requirements are arrested. In addition to the arrests, seven offenders were brought into registration compliance.

“The sex offender registration system is a critical tool in monitoring sex offenders and ensuring they are compliant with the terms of their release,” said Sheriff David Shoar, president of the Florida Sheriffs Association. “Florida Sheriffs and deputies worked diligently during Operation Summer Heat to find and arrest offenders who sought to evade authorities. We are sending a very clear message: if you cannot follow sex offender registration laws, you will go to jail.”

“Sex offenders should know that Florida will not tolerate noncompliance with our registry laws,” said Jupiter Police Chief Frank Kitzerow, President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association. “Our police departments throughout the state will continue to enforce these laws because they help protect our families and neighborhoods.”

Florida’s Sex Offender Registry began in 1997.  Florida laws require sexual offenders to register with local sheriff’s offices to be maintained publicly online at http://offender.fdle.state.fl.us.

Comments

5 Responses to “Escambia Sex Offender Busted In FDLE Operation”

  1. Cammie duggless on June 30th, 2015 2:43 am

    Wow. Just wow.that make me feel unsafe

  2. nod on June 29th, 2015 1:15 pm

    too bad you do not do the same thing with murders

  3. Alex A on June 29th, 2015 10:42 am

    Wish law enforcement would follow DUI offenders and suspended lic. As much as sex offfend,ers

  4. William on June 29th, 2015 6:52 am

    >>You refer to FDLE’s “EIS” Unit. What does EIS stand for.

    Enforcement and Investigative Support

  5. Ron on June 29th, 2015 6:49 am

    You refer to FDLE’s “EIS” Unit. What does EIS stand for.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News