Press Release: ACSO Arrests Man for Failing to Register as Sex Offender

Press Release from the Alachua County Sheriff's Office:

In March of 2024, Special Victims Detective R. DePete received information from FDLE regarding sexual offenders who failed to register the month prior. On that list was Elliott Starke, who in 2004 was sent to the Florida Department of Corrections for 6 years on a sexual battery charge. Based upon the information provided by FDLE, Det. DePete began an investigation.

During the investigation and subsequent attempts to locate Starke, Det. DePete learned that Starke had been contacted by law enforcement in New Jersey and incarcerated, but his incarceration was under an alias name. Prior to Det. DePete, with the help of our Crime Analysts, identifying this information, Starke had already been released.

Det. DePete began digging, where he found that Starke has used 17 other alias’ during his many encounters with law enforcement. Our Detective ensured that the warrant he requested, included all 17 alias’ for Starke and as luck would have it, the alias list is how Starke was apprehended.

In December 0f 2024, Starke attempted to burglarize a business in the State of New York, where he once again encountered law enforcement. Starke gave one of his 17 alias names, which immediately hit in NCIC as a wanted person. Starke was identified and arrested on his outstanding Alachua County Warrant for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in other state jurisdiction (Felony) and Failure to Re-register every 6 months (Felony).

Starke was extradited back to Alachua County, earlier this month, where he will face his current charges.

This is just one of many examples where our dedicated Detectives go the “extra mile” to ensure that those who victimize others are held accountable for their actions. No matter how far they run or how many names they use!