MANSFIELD -- The U.S. Marshals Service teamed up with local authorities for a week-long compliance check of sex offenders.
During Operation Safeguard, 379 compliance checks were conducted. Forty-one offenders were found not to be in compliance, and 12 were arrested.
As a result of the compliance check, 243 offender profiles were updated with information such as work address, phone numbers, e-mail address, vehicle information and campus information.
"This was an extraordinary effort in seeking out nearly 400 sex offenders," said Connie Walls, sex offender registration officer for the county. "The Marshals Service supplied us with men and women and resources that made this operation a success, at no cost to the citizens of Richland County. I look forward to continue working with them in this great endeavor."
The sheriff's office has had trouble maintaining the registry because of budget constraints and layoffs. The following 13 agencies participated in Operation Safeguard: Plymouth, Ashland, Crestline, Galion, Lexington, Mansfield, Ontario and Shelby police departments; Mansfield Municipal Probation; Ashland County Sheriff's Office; Ohio Adult Parole Authority; Richland County probation and the county prosecutor's office.
"We appreciate the extra manpower, equipment and resources that the U.S. Marshals Service has provided us in tracking and ensuring compliance of our registered sex offenders," Richland County Sheriff Steve Sheldon said. "I am also extremely grateful to all the departments that supported this operation. This operation has shown that agencies from any facet of law enforcement can work together to ensure the safety of our children."
The U.S. Marshals Service has been the lead law enforcement agency responsible for investigating sex offender registration violations and related offenses since the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act was enacted July 27, 2006.
"We will work with all members of the law enforcement community to ensure that the children in this country are safe from predators," U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott said. "Law enforcement must work together to preserve the safety of our children, especially during these challenging financial times."
To search for sex offenders in Richland County, visit www.sheriffrichlandcounty.com and click on the "sex offenders" tab.
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