Hillsborough County deputies are asking the public to help track down 46-year-old registered sex offender Waylon Gene Croom, who is wanted on 11 registration-related charges, according to sheriff's officials.
According to the Tampa Free Press, an active warrant accuses Croom of repeatedly failing to follow Florida's strict sex offender registration rules. The listed counts reportedly include four counts of providing false information after registration, two counts of failing to report a change in vehicle ownership within the required 48-hour window, two counts of violating residency restrictions for convicted sex offenders, and additional counts for failing to report changes to his telephone number, employment or school enrollment, and failing to renew his driver's license or identification.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information on Croom's whereabouts to call its non-emergency tip line at (813) 247-8200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477. Deputies emphasize that residents should not attempt to confront or detain any suspect themselves. For contact details and reporting options, see the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
What Florida law requires
Florida law requires sexual offenders and predators to report changes in residence, name, and vehicle ownership within 48 hours, and failure to comply can lead to felony charges. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement details those duties on its registry FAQ, while the legal obligations are set out in Chapter 943 of the Florida Statutes.
Local records and background
Local court calendars list Croom in Hillsborough Circuit Court and show a Gibsonton address, and public registries note prior registration-related convictions that frame the current search effort. Case listings and calendar entries are available through the Hillsborough Clerk, and an archival offender profile is accessible via Offender Radar.
