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Twenty arrested during sex offender compliance sweep

Law enforcement have been doing some "spring cleaning," checking up on Hamilton County's 1,350 registered sex offenders.

Sheriff Jim Neil says officers checked 1,114 addresses last week.

The large-scale, multi-agency operation is the first of its kind in the county since the Adam Walsh law went into effect in 2006. 

Credit Hamilton County Sheriff's Office
Ronald James' mugshot.

So far, deputies have made 20 arrests, including 38-year-old Ronald James. When officers came to his door they noticed a rifle sticking out from under a couch. Upon entering his house they found 10 more rifles and four handguns. He is currently in the Hamilton County jail.

By the numbers

  • 720 registered sex offender addresses confirmed
  • 72 registered sex offenders found to be out of compliance
  • 52 warrants have been issued
  • 20 people arrested (32 warrants outstanding)
  • 20 investigations still pending (warrants could be issued)
  • 237 notices left on doors where no one was home at time of visit
  • 19 homeless offenders investigated
  • 66 Other - (ie: provided address doesn't exist or other circumstances that require additional investigation.)

Deputies got a lot of help from the U.S. Marshal Service and are continuing the investigation. Marshal Pat Sedoti says Hamilton County's compliance rate is higher than average.

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.