Wanda English Burnett
Editor

After the 2nd Annual Sex Offender Round-Up by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, two offenders who did not fully comply found themselves in jail.

According to Sheriff Tom Grills, the event was a success for the second year in a row. With over 50 offenders processed, only two had not fully complied with the registry laws.

Joshua Jessee, 24, of Versailles, did not notify the sheriff’s office of an address change, which is a violation. This information was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office. A warrant was granted and Jessee was jailed after a short search. According to the sheriff Jessee could also face a potential probation violation.

Also waiting a jury trial for not complying with the sex offender registry laws by not giving a correct change of address is Roy Fields, 33, of Holton.

The sheriff’s office also reported that recently convicted sex offender Joseph Dale Green, 49, of Osgood, had seven days following sentencing, which was on June 16 to register. He did not meet that deadline and paperwork was sent to the prosecutor’s office for a warrant for his arrest. However, Green did finally register on June 29.

The round-up, initiated by Sheriff Grills, makes sure sex offenders are in compliance with registry laws. They have to provide personal information for updates, receive changes in laws, and have their photograph taken.

“I want those who have to register as a sex offender to do what they are required to do,” noted Sheriff Grills. “This is part of their sentence and we will hold them to it,” he continued. Saying he is charged by law to monitor sex offenders, the sheriff further noted, “It is a top priority of mine.”
If anyone has information of a registered sex offender violating his or her terms and conditions, you can call the sheriff’s office at 812 -689-5558. You can also access information at the website: www.ripleycounty.com/sheriff.

“This is a community effort. We all must work together to secure the future for our families and children. They depend on us,” Sheriff Grills concluded.