Officer in charge Tricia M. Seman said sex offenders or any person convicted of a sexual crime is required by Public Law 11-104 to register as a sex offender.
“The law mandates DPS, Adult Probation and the Office of Parole to register, update, photograph, fingerprint and keep on file all information about these offenders, and to share, coordinate and update other affected law enforcement agencies,” Seman said.
She added that in June, the Sex Offender Registry office conducted monitoring operations and compliance checks of all sex offenders.
Seman said there is a need to update the registration files of sex offenders.
“Offenders easily change addresses, contact numbers, vehicles and employment status so we see it necessary to conduct these operations to keep the offenders in compliance with their registry information,” she added.
Seman said failure to update the registration files may mean a year’s imprisonment and up to $1,000 in fines.
Under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, federal law enforcement resources, including the U.S. Marshals Service, can provide assistance to a state or jurisdiction in locating and apprehending sex offenders who do not comply with the requirements.
Seman said the law makes it a federal offense for sex offenders who have not registered at their place of residence and have moved to another state or jurisdiction.
Violation is punishable up to 10 years imprisonment.
For more information, contact Seman at 664-9026.
