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FBI tips on Ronnie Hyde describe strange behavior prior to arrest

Ronnie Hyde's murder arrest in connection with a dismembered torso found in a dumpster in 1994 shocked the Jacksonville Beach community he called home.

Neighbors rarely saw Hyde and friends said he didn't accept visitors. Once news of the former youth pastor's arrest went public in the media and on billboards, tips began to flood into the FBI.

Among thousands of pages of documents released by the State Attorney's office last week are 33 unclassified tips recorded by the FBI. In the days after Hyde's arrest in March 2017, coworkers, friends and family told federal agents unsettling accounts going back twenty years.

Call notes from one tipster said they remembered seeing Hyde interact with 16-year-old victim Fred Laster.

"Taking [Fred] to the movies and conventions and buying him gifts," notes taken by an agent read. "They always knew something wasn't right with Ron. He is not surprised."

Two co-workers called in, telling agents Hyde told stories at work about of laying in bed with minor boys in his underwear during trips to Daytona Beach. One coworker said Hyde, a licensed mental health counselor, talked of going to TPC Sawgrass to meet young boys.

Two separate informants referenced Hyde visiting the YMCA only to shower and not exercise. One woman said he reported seeing naked boys in the locker room at a Ponte Vedra location.

A neighbor remembered an "awful smell" coming from Hyde's backyard. A water meter reader called the FBI to inform them he found it strange Hyde used 'zero water consumption', and had a Winnebago parked outside.

John Nason, a retired FBI agent and current law enforcement consultant, said the tips separately may not have been enough to hold up in court. However, now that officials are tying them together, he said the information has likely created leads for more charges or to assist in prosecution.

Nason said he's not surprised these informants did not report anything to authorities at the time they happened but hopes people will trust their instincts when they believe something or someone is acting peculiar.

Hyde remains in jail with his next pre-trial hearing scheduled for August 27.

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