HCSO Arrests Two Registered Sexual Predators for Reporting Violations

On 10-02-2026, detectives with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), along with members of the HCSO SWAT Team, Special Victims Unit, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), conducted a search warrant at a residence located at 6233 Secret Place in Brooksville, resulting in the arrests of two registered sexual predators for failing to comply with Florida’s sexual predator registration requirements.

Jonnie Russell Barker, DOB/09-28-1967, was adjudicated guilty in 1997 in Hernando County, for Sexual Battery on a child by an Adult. The conviction resulted in Barker being designated a sexual predator in the State of Florida, subject to registration requirements.

On 10-02-2026, Detective Marcacci conducted a registration compliance check at Barker’s residence. During the check, a 2014 Nissan Sentra was observed at the residence. A Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and Driver and Vehicle Information Database (DAVID) inquiry determined the vehicle was registered to Ronda Hawkins, who had resided with Barker since 06-24-2026, and acquired the vehicle on 09-19-2026.

Under Florida Statute registered sexual predators are required to report changes involving vehicles owned within 48 hours, in person, at the sheriff’s office. The reporting requirements also include vehicles registered to individuals residing at the sexual predator’s permanent residence for five or more consecutive days.

A review of Barker’s FDLE SOPS profile revealed that the vehicle had not been reported as required. Detective Marcacci subsequently arrested Barker for Failure to Report a Vehicle.

Barker was transported to the Hernando County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond.

Ronda Charlene Hawkins, DOB/07-20-1981, was adjudicated guilty in 2025 in Hernando County, for Soliciting, Possessing, Controlling, or Intentionally View Child Pornography. The conviction resulted in Hawkins being designated a sexual predator in the State of Florida, subject to registration requirements.

The investigation began after Detective Marcacci received information alleging that Hawkins was using multiple unreported internet social media accounts.

The investigation determined that Hawkins had failed to report multiple internet identifiers as required, with one of the social media accounts having extensive account activity, including 954 accesses between 09-30-2025, and 06-23-2026.

During the aforementioned search, detectives located Hawkins’ reported smartphone and a second, unreported smartphone which was concealed behind a wall panel inside the home.

Hawkins acknowledged using the “Ronda Hawkins” social media account but denied creating or owning other accounts. She also denied owning any smartphone other than the device she had reported to probation and parole.

Detective Marcacci arrested Hawkins for the following sexual predator registration violations:

- Failure to Register Internet Identifier 2cts

- Knowingly Providing False Registration Information by Act or Omission 1ct 

Hawkins was transported to the Hernando County Detention Center, where she is being held without bond.

The investigation remains ongoing. Follow-up investigation includes data extraction and analysis of the seized smartphones.

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting the community through proactive enforcement of Florida’s sexual predator registration laws and holding offenders accountable for violations of their registration requirements.

Hernando County Crime Stoppers / Anonymous Tips

If you have information on this case, please contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers.  You will remain anonymous!

Hernando County Crime Stoppers can be reached by phone at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or **TIPS from a cell phone. 

You may also submit your tip via the internet at http://www.hernandocountycrimestoppers.com .

You will remain anonymous and also be eligible for a reward up to $5,000 cash!