'Operation Creep Sweep': 12 people arrested in sexual predator investigation in Volusia County

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Florida. – On Tuesday, the Volusia Sheriff's Office announced a dozen arrests as part of its months-long “Operation Creep Sweep.”

In a statement, deputies said the investigation began in April and the operation was focused on catching predators and sex offenders.

According to the VSO, several of the suspects – previously convicted of crimes against children – were found using email and social media accounts that were not registered as required by state law.

“Some had child pornography on their electronic tablet or cell phone. Some filmed themselves having sex and then sent it to their daughter,” Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood said. “And then we had some who were arrested for assaulting a 16-year-old.”

Those arrested during the operation and the charges against them are as follows:

Josué Jobe, 24 years old – SEX OFFENDER

Body-worn camera video shows deputies confronting Jobe along the road in April. In the video, Jobe allegedly claimed not to know his first name.

Patrick Fulton, 57 years old – SEX OFFENDER

Thomas Yates, 68 – SEX OFFENDER

Body camera video released by the VSO shows Thomas Yates arrested in April.

Ervin Jones, 45 years old — SEXUAL PREDATOR

Body-worn camera video released by the VSO shows Jones being led through a building by deputies in April.

Brian Eckelbecker, 43 years old – SEX OFFENDER

The images released by the VSO show a conversation between a detective and Eckelbecker after the latter's arrest.

Jean Fontaine, 43 years old

José Renteria, 33 years old

• CHARGES:

  • Transmission of obscene/harmful material to minors

  • Illegal use of a two-way communications device

  • Promoting sexual behavior in a child

Andres Escobar, 28 years old

CHARGES:

• Traveling to meet a minor for sexual activity

• Using a computer/internet service to solicit a minor for sexual activity

• Illegal use of a two-way communications device

Body-worn camera video released by the VSO shows Escobar's arrest nearly two weeks ago.

Darren East, 31 years old

• CHARGES:

  • Traveling to meet a minor for sexual activity

  • Using a computer/internet service to solicit a minor for sexual activity

  • Illegal use of a two-way communications device

Body camera video released by the VSO shows East's arrest nearly two weeks ago.

Rodolfo Odio Díaz, 23 years old

• CHARGES:

  • Traveling to meet a minor for sexual activity

  • Using a computer/internet service to solicit a minor for sexual activity

  • Illegal use of a two-way communications device

  • Possession of paraphernalia

  • Currently an illegal immigrant/alien is being held in prison

Mathieu Lortie, 34 years old

Body camera video released by the VSO shows Lortie's arrest earlier this month, with his mother seeing Lortie in handcuffs.

John McVeigh, 55

Footage released by the VSO shows an interview between McVeigh and a detective.

Receive today's headlines in minutes with Your daily life in Florida: