Search For 'Violent Criminal' Under Way

SPRING HILL, FL — The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is asking residents across Tampa Bay to keep their eyes open for a wanted fugitive its detectives have connected to at least one violent sexual battery.

According to the agency, David Deine Sr. is wanted on three felony warrants: sexual battery with physical force, battery with strangulation and sexual battery on a victim over the age of 12. Sheriff’s office spokeswoman Denise Moloney says the agency is not releasing details related to the crime the warrants stem from, but says Deine may be connected with more than one violent sexual assault.

“He’s a violent criminal and we need to catch him,” Moloney told Patch.

Deine, 41, is 5-foot-7, weighs an estimated 165 pounds and is bald with brown eyes. He is believed to be driving a 2007 blue Suzuki Forenza with the Florida tag No. GEED86. He was last seen on Feb. 25 in the Spring Hill area.

Deputies say Deine has family and associates in Miami and may also be trying to travel to New York or California.

“If spotted, please do not approach Deine or his vehicle, notify authorities immediately,” the agency wrote in an email to media.

Anyone with information about Deine’s whereabouts is asked to call the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office at 352-754-6830 or their local law enforcement agency.

Photo of Deine and a stock photo of the type of car he may be driving courtesy of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office

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