For Immediate Release
October 29, 2009
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Area Law Enforcement Surprises Registered Sex Offenders During Operation “Knock-Knock”
Baton Rouge, LA - Nearly 400 registered sex offenders got a surprise visit from a task force of over 20 agents from 10 area law enforcement agencies last month. The operation, dubbed “Knock-Knock”, was led by the U.S. Marshals Service with the intent of verifying the addresses provided by convicted sex offenders during their initial or annual registration. Louisiana law requires convicted sex offenders to register with local law enforcement where they reside and work.
In mid-September, nine teams of agents converged on Iberville, Ascension, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge Parishes to contact every registered offender in those jurisdictions. After three intense days of contacting offenders and conducting follow-up investigations, the teams made contact at over 375 residences or businesses. Over the next week, offenders were reporting to the law enforcement agencies all over the Baton Rouge area to update or correct their addresses based on fliers left at their address of record.
After the short grace period, investigators obtained arrest warrants for the offenders that were determined to be in violation of Louisiana registration requirements and began the process of tracking down the offenders. Last week, the task force reassembled and spent two days locating and arresting the offenders. The operation resulted in 16 of the 25 arrest warrants being executed. Twelve offenders were arrested, two were located already in custody, and 2 warrants were recalled by the issuing agency. Nine
registered sex offenders are now fugitives and are actively being sought. The operation also identified several registered sex offenders that are believed to be in violation of the Adam Walsh Act. The Adam Walsh Act was established in 2006 and makes it a federal offense for a convicted sex offender registered in one state to travel across state lines and fail to register in their new state.“The goal of this operation was simple; we wanted to make an unannounced visit to the address that was provided by the registered sex offender to law enforcement and verify that they actually live or work there. Ten law enforcement agencies came together to send one message.
We want these offenders to know that on any given day, we can knock on their door and say hello.” said U.S. Marshal Carey Jenkins.
In addition to verifying registered address, agents also check the offenders Louisiana Driver’s License or Identification card to verify that the required “sex offender” marker was present. The task force wants registered sex offenders in other parts of the Baton Rouge area to know that plans are already in progress for Operation “Knock-Knock II”. Marshal Jenkins added “If you are not in compliance with your registration requirements, now is your chance to visit your local law enforcement and update your information.”
Agencies that participated in Operation “Knock-Knock” are the United States Probation and Pretrial Service, Louisiana Office of Probation and Parole, Louisiana State Police, Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Baton Rouge Police Department.
For more information about the US Marshals Service, visit http://www.usmarshals.gov/district/la-m/index.html.
