The Villages, FL – Three registered sex offenders living in The Villages were among 10 people arrested in Sumter County during a special Halloween enforcement effort, authorities confirmed.
According to Sheriff Pat Breeden, the initiative—dubbed Operation Ghost Town—was launched by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office to ensure compliance among registered sex offenders during the Halloween holiday. Breeden announced the arrests in a post on social media late Thursday night.
Two of those arrested were classified as sexual predators, while eight others were registered offenders. Among them, three reside in The Villages:
- Todd Michael Anselm, 55, of the Village of Belle Aire, was convicted in 2005 in Lake County, Illinois, of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. He was charged with three felony sex offender violations and released Saturday after posting $7,500 bond.
- Derrick Andrew Kehoe, 56, of Virginia Trace, was convicted in 1988 in Massachusetts of indecent assault and battery on a child. He now faces four felony sex offender violations and was jailed on $10,000 bond.
- Edward Charles Wardingly, 64, of the Village of Santiago, was convicted in 2018 of lewd and lascivious molestation of a minor. He was arrested on three felony violations and remained held without bond.
The sheriff’s office said the county-wide operation focused on ensuring sex offenders complied with residency, registration, and movement restrictions during Halloween.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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