Florida Sheriff’s Operation Leads to 59 Arrests in Sex Offender Sweep

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says 59 registered sexual offenders and predators were arrested during a two-month compliance operation that included more than 500 checks across the Florida city.

According to Fox News, the operation, called "Operation Riverwatch," was conducted jointly by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Offender Tracking Unit and the U.S. Marshals Service from June 15 through Aug. 14.

During the operation, detectives spent more than 230 hours checking the status and compliance of registered offenders and predators. Investigators conducted 535 checks, which resulted in the arrests of 59 people ranging in age from 21 to 76, officials said.

Authorities said those arrested allegedly violated requirements they were required to follow after being released from prison or jail. The sheriff’s office did not provide details about the specific alleged violations involving each person.

"These offenders found themselves back behind bars for breaking the rules," the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post.

Florida law imposes registration and reporting requirements on people classified as sexual offenders or predators. Depending on the circumstances, failing to comply can result in felony charges and additional registration requirements, according to the sheriff’s office.

The operation focused on verifying that people required to register were following those rules. The sheriff’s office said the effort was intended to monitor local offenders and help protect Jacksonville residents and their families.

"Keeping watch on local sexual offenders and career offenders to keep you and your families safe," the agency wrote.

The 59 arrests include both men and women, according to authorities. Jacksonville officials have not publicly identified which specific registration or reporting rules each person allegedly violated.

The sheriff’s office is asking members of the public who believe a registered offender or predator may be violating required conditions to contact authorities.

"Operation Riverwatch" comes as the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office continues other enforcement efforts involving people accused of crimes against children and sexual offenses. In a separate 2026 operation, JSO reported dozens of arrests tied to online efforts to solicit children for sex.

The latest compliance operation was conducted across Jacksonville, with federal and local authorities working together to identify alleged violations and make arrests.