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Ocala
Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Marion deputies searching for sex offender who moved without notifying law enforcement

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is still looking for a 35-year-old registered sex offender who moved from his residence without notifying law enforcement.

In a social media post on Wednesday, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods asked for assistance with finding Johnathon Ray Dove. He is wanted for two counts of failure to comply with sexual offender registration requirements.

Johnathon Ray Dove wanted by deputies for failure to comply with sex offender requirements
Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies are looking for 35-year-old Johnathon Ray Dove (left)

In 2019, Dove was convicted of unlawful sexual activity with a minor in Marion County. As a result of his conviction, he is required to register his home address with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. If he moves, he must notify MCSO within 48 hours.

According to Sheriff Woods, deputies went to the home address that Dove had registered, and it was determined that he no longer lived there. A warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest.

This is not the first time that Dove has failed to comply with his registration requirements. He is currently out on bond for failure to comply with sex offender requirements.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies learned that Dove was in Ohio earlier this year, and he purchased a vehicle (pictured below).

Johnathon Ray Dove wanted by deputies for failure to comply with sex offender requirements photo of vehicle he purchased
Johnathon Ray Dove purchased this vehicle in Ohio

Sheriff Woods stated that Dove was in Texas in June. He then returned to Marion County in September, but he still remains at large.

Johnathon Ray Dove wanted by deputies for failure to comply with sex offender requirements updated photo of Dove
A recent photo of Johnathon Ray Dove

“We need your help getting this sex offender back off the streets and into jail so that we all know where he is,” stated Sheriff Woods.

If you have any information on Dove’s whereabouts, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office asks that you call the Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP (7867) and reference 23-45 in your tip.

In the event that you use Crime Stoppers and your tip leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward.