Detectives Seek Public's Help to Locate Absconded Sex Offender

NEWS RELEASE 17-215 - SEPTEMBER 26, 2017
Correa, Ronald

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to locate a 39-year-old registered sexual offender wanted on charges of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a 3-year-old child.

Deputies were first contacted on September 16, when the child’s parents reported that Ronald Correa, DOB 08/19/78, made inappropriate contact twice, with their 3-year-old. Correa, a registered sex offender, was temporarily staying at the family’s home at the time however, he did not report his address to law enforcement, thus violating sex offender requirements. As the investigation continued, detectives obtained warrants for Correa’s arrest on two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation on a Child Under 12 Years Old and a single count of Failure to Notify within 48 Hours of a Temporary Residence. When deputies attempted to serve the warrants at Correa’s home on Friday, the residence was vacant indicating that he may have fled the county.  

Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding Correa’s whereabouts to contact the Criminal Investigations Section at 941.861.4276 or 941.861.4928. If you come into contact with Correa, call 911 immediately. Citizens can also submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of Sarasota by calling 941.366.TIPS or online at SarasotaCrimeStoppers.com.

Correa was designated a sexual offender in 2003 when he was convicted of Sexual Battery on a Child in Seminole County.