Palm Bay police said they are searching for a 51-year-old registered sex offender who removed his GPS monitor and fled the area on Sunday.

Investigators said 51-year-old Johnny Morgan took off his GPS ankle bracelet just before noon Sunday. The removal of the device sent an alert to probation officers, who contacted police.

Morgan was convicted of sexual battery of a child in Brevard County in 1995. He spent years in prison and was just released in August.

Morgan was living in a homeless camp in a wooded area near Minton Road and Malabar Road, according to police. When officers checked out the homeless camp, Morgan's personal belongings were gone. Investigators believe he has fled the area.

Officers did find Morgan's GPS ankle bracelet and industrial scissors used to cut the device.

Sunday afternoon officers canvassed the community in a search for Morgan.

He is described as a white male, weighing about 172 lbs., with light green eyes and salt and pepper hair.