April 6, 2005
Gary Davidson
Public Information Officer

PUBLIC’S HELP SOUGHT IN LOCATING SEXUAL PREDATOR 

A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a convicted sexual predator who left DeLand without checking in with his probation officer. Convicted in Duval County of a sex offense on a minor, Robert Earl Rowles relocated to Volusia County in December 2004 and registered with the Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 13 as required by law. 

Rowles is scheduled to be under the supervision of the Florida Department of Corrections, Probation & Parole, until the end of this year. However, Probation & Parole filed a notice of violation against Rowles after he left his residence at 1349 N. Woodland Blvd. On Dec. 21, a warrant was issued for Rowles’ arrest. The state considers Rowles to be an absconder, which means he has stopped making himself available for supervision and his whereabouts are unknown. 

Rowles is a 6’1” black man with black hair and brown eyes. He is 41-years-old and weighs approximately 200 pounds. Anyone with information about Rowles’ whereabouts is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida, toll-free, (888) 277-TIPS. Callers to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $1,000.