A sweeping two-month enforcement operation targeting registered sex offenders and predators in Jacksonville, Florida, resulted in 59 arrests after authorities completed more than 500 compliance checks, the local sheriff’s office said.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said its Offender Tracking Unit worked alongside the U.S. Marshals Service on “Operation Riverwatch,” an initiative conducted throughout the city from June 15 to Aug. 14.
During the operation, detectives devoted over 230 hours to carrying out 535 checks involving registered offenders and sexual predators, according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities arrested 59 men and women between the ages of 21 and 76 who were accused of failing to comply with conditions imposed following their release from prison or jail. (Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office)
Investigators arrested 59 people, ages 21 to 76, after determining they allegedly failed to follow required post-release rules, officials said.
“These offenders found themselves back behind bars for breaking the rules,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a Facebook post.
A file photo of Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office police vehicles on a bridge on January 22, 2025. (Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office via Facebook)
Under Florida law, registered sexual offenders and predators must meet specific registration and reporting obligations. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office noted that violations may lead to felony charges and, depending on the alleged offense, additional registration requirements.
Officials did not identify the specific requirements that each of the 59 people was accused of violating. News Media has contacted the sheriff’s office for additional details.
A view of the Jacksonville, Florida, skyline with the John Alsop Bridge. (Visions of America/Joseph Sohm/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
“Keeping watch on local sexual offenders and career offenders to keep you and your families safe,” the sheriff’s office wrote.