AUGUSTA, Ga. () – On Thursday, a joint operation by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals led to the capture of two fugitives from Florida, both facing multiple charges related to crimes against children.

The apprehension occurred on January 29 at the Georgia Welcome Center located on Interstate 20, right at the border.

Details of the individuals arrested and their charges are as follows:

Johnathan Mark, 53, of Leesburg, Florida

• Lewd and Lascivious Molestation, one count
• Lewd and Lascivious Conduct, two counts
• Aggravated Child Abuse, one count
• Lewd and Lascivious Exhibition, one count

Patricia Mark, 53, of Leesburg, Florida

• Child Neglect, two counts
• Lewd and Lascivious Conduct, one count
• Aggravated Child Abuse, two counts
• Lewd and Lascivious Exhibition, one count
• Failure to Report Child Abuse, one count

Both have been taken to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center on behalf of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.

Sheriff Eugene Brantley issued the following statement on the arrests:

“We will continue partnering with our neighboring agencies, state agencies, and federal partners to ensure the safety of all persons within our community, especially our most vulnerable population, our children. I am grateful for the professionalism and dedication of our personnel and the United States Marshals Service for their swift intervention and successful arrests today.”