JOSEPH VELTRE

     Pinellas Park, FL – On the evening of Wednesday, April 10, 2024, Pinellas Park Police
Officers responded to a disturbing incident at Helen Howarth Park (6301 94th
Ave N, Pinellas Park). Witnesses reported a man following three young children and making inappropriate comments to them. The man was identified as Joseph Veltre.

     During the investigation, it was determined Veltre continuously followed three
young children within the park and made inappropriate and lewd comments to
them by asking if he could masturbate in front of them. Veltre was taken into
custody by officers on scene and charged with child abuse, aggravated stalking
of a child under 16, and traveling to meet a minor.

      At the time of the arrest, Veltre was on bond for lewd and lascivious
exhibition to an elderly adult or disabled person. He is also a registered sex
offender.