In an effort to keep Hernando County safe, a joint task force comprising the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and the Florida Department of Corrections' Office of Community Corrections conducted a week-long compliance operation targeting registered sexual offenders and predators. The sweep, which took place last Monday, aimed to ensure these individuals were adhering to the conditions of their sanctions.
Units from various sections of the Sheriff's Office, including Major Case, School Operations, and the Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS), collaborated on these residential checks. According to a report released by the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, a total of 30 visits resulted in the discovery of several individuals not complying with the law.
The discovered violations included failure to report changes in internet identifiers, vehicle ownership, and absconding from probation, with offenses ranging from sexual battery to possession of child pornography. Of note, Terry Rodney Wilson, a registered sex offender since January 16, 1961, was charged with a violation of probation for sexual battery. Edward Lee Powell and Lawrence Letterman, both charged with failure to register as sexual offenders, were found in violation of their probation.
Additionally, several offenders ran into legal trouble again due to failing to meet reporting requirements, such as not updating vehicle ownership. Donald Havlik, born January 3, 1946, a registered sex offender, was held responsible for violating probation stemming from previous charges of possessing child pornography and misusing a communication device. Michael Charles O’Connor’s arrest involved resisting without violence, compounded by his failure to report a phone number.
The Sheriff's Office highlighted its continued commitment to community safety, noting that individuals who fail to comply with state laws or court-ordered conditions will be held accountable. Operations like these will persist to monitor registered sex offenders and uphold the compliance measures essential for public protection.
