Feds help in arrest of Ponte Vedra Beach fugitive

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office booking photo of Charles Cook III

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The U.S. Marshals Service and the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office have located a Ponte Vedra Beach man wanted in the molestation of a minor.

According to the Sheriff's Office, 56-year-old Charles W. Cook III was wanted on charges of lewd and lascivious molestation on a minor and sexual battery on a minor.

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While details of the arrest were not yet released, he was picked up Thursday afternoon in the Nocatee community by the Felony Apprehension Strike Team, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement officers.

Investigators said they were led to Cook thanks to a tip from a Channel 4 viewer who saw the noon newscast.

Cook was booked into the Duval County jail, but was expected to be transferred to St. Johns County to face the charges.