Unregistered sex offenders face charges
Local authorities intend to crack down on convicted sex offenders who have not listed themselves with the state’s sexual offender registry, noting they may start rounding them up as soon as March.
“We estimate there’s anywhere from 15 to 20 sexual offenders living here who have not listed themselves with the sexual offender registry as is required by law,” said District Attorney General Dale Potter. “We will be finding out who and where these people are, and if they are not listed, we will be seeking criminal charges against them.”
State law requires all people who have either entered a guilty plea or been convicted of a sex crime to list themselves with the state sexual offender registry. The registry keeps track of the whereabouts of sexual offenders and is open for viewing by the general public. The registry can be accessed online by going through www.tbi.state.tn.us. and hitting the appropriate link located on the TBI main page.
Database searches can be conducted by name, county, or zip code. The site presently displays 21 names, complete with pictures, of sexual offenders residing in Warren County. Most of the offenders are listed for statutory rape.
The law requires offenders to list themselves – for life – for crimes ranging from statutory rape to aggravated rape. The law requires the offender to report any time they change address so it can be updated online. The law also requires any sexual offender from any other state who moves into Tennessee to list him or herself.
“We have a few people who have moved in here from out of state who have not reported to the registry,” Potter said. “They are required to be listed, the same as a person who was convicted here.”
Potter said his office is busy compiling the names of people who have failed to list themselves, or people who have failed to notify the state of a change of address. Those who have not listed themselves within the next month will face arrest. Failure of a convicted sex offender to be listed on the registry is a misdemeanor, punishable by 11-months, 29-days in jail. Such an arrest could also mean a violation of probation if the person is on probation. Potter noted it is the offender’s responsibility to keep his or her status and location updated.