December 28, 2005

LANSING. The Michigan State Police (MSP) is reminding registered sex offenders that the 15-day, annual address verification period begins January 1. State law requires all registered sex offenders, both felony and misdemeanor-listed offenders, to report in person to their local law enforcement agency during this period to verify their address or face a graduated penalty ranging from a 93-day misdemeanor to a four-year felony.

Per Public Act 295 of 1994, known as the "Sex Offenders Registration Act," offenders convicted of a felony-listed offense must report to their city/township police department, county sheriff or local MSP post to verify their address during the first 15 days of January, April, July and October.

Offenders convicted of misdemeanor-listed offenses are required to report to their local law enforcement agency to verify their address yearly, January 1 through January 15.

Offenders are also required to report a change of address within 10 days of moving or face a four-year felony.

The Sex Offenders Registration Act allows for the arrest of an offender who is not in compliance with the Act’s reporting requirements. Violators may be arrested during a traffic stop or any other contact with law enforcement. Additionally, law enforcement agencies can conduct periodic sex offender sweeps, during which offenders’ addresses are verified and absconders are actively sought.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

D/F/Lt. Gene Kapp, MSP First District Headquarters, (517) 322-1919