COLUMBUS – The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department is hosting a regional meeting on best practices for the Indiana Sex Offender Registry.
Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers says the registry is designed to increase community safety and awareness, but not to take action against anyone on the list. Anyone taking illegal action against a registered sex offender could face possible arrest and prosecution.
Convicted sex offenders are required to annually register their information to authorities. They must update their address, phone number, and vehicles they own or operate, and have a valid ID or driver’s license with their current address. Failing to complete those registration requirements is a felony offense.
Sheriff Myers says that you can use Indiana Sex Offender Registry to track sex offenders in any Indiana County. The registry will provide a list of all registered sex offenders living within a three to five-mile radius of any location. Residents can also sign up for the free online email notification. Those who register for the alert will receive an email if an offender moves within one mile of their home.
Sheriff Myers says that since 2018, tracking of sex offenders in Bartholomew County is up 111 percent. He credited Rudy Olivio, the department’s sex offender coordinator, and deputies who aggressively track offenders who live or work in Bartholomew County.
