A persistent investigation by an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office detective has led to the arrest of a sex offender who used 17 aliases to evade authorities.
In March 2024, Special Victims Detective R. DePete received information from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) regarding sexual offenders who had failed to register. Among those listed was Elliott Starke, who had previously served six years in prison for sexual battery.
Detective DePete’s investigation revealed that Starke had been incarcerated in New Jersey under an alias but had since been released. Further digging uncovered that Starke had used 17 different aliases during encounters with law enforcement.
Detective DePete ensured that the warrant for Starke’s arrest included all 17 aliases. This proved crucial when Starke was apprehended in New York in December 2024 after attempting to burglarize a business. Starke provided an alias, which triggered an alert in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
Starke was extradited back to Alachua County earlier this month and now faces charges of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in other state jurisdiction (Felony) and Failure to Re-register every 6 months (Felony).
“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!” said the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office in a statement.
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