LAWRENCE CO.- Lawrence County officials are taking steps to strengthen the enforcement of sex offender registration fee collection through a new ordinance requested by Sheriff Greg Day.
The ordinance, which aligns with state code allowing sheriffs to charge a $50 annual registration fee for sex offenders and violent offenders, aims to address ongoing payment compliance issues in the county.
“There were no penalties in place before; the ordinance will now give teeth to not paying the fee,” explained Sheriff Day at the commissioners’ meeting. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Lawrence County currently has 130 residents required to register as sex offenders or violent offenders, with approximately half failing to pay their registration fees.
Under the new ordinance, offenders who refuse to pay will face legal consequences. The county attorney will be authorized to file suit against non-compliant offenders, who will then be responsible for paying not only their overdue registration fees but also a change of address fees, court costs, and attorney fees.
The new ordinance is expected to improve collection rates and ensure offenders meet their financial obligations as required by law.
In related updates, Sheriff Day reported current jail population statistics, noting 75 total inmates, including:
- 66 male inmates
- 9 female inmates
- 5 Department of Correction holds
- 4 parole holds
- 4 Level 6 felons
