Sex offender compliance checks net arrests in Crittenden County

CRITTENDEN COUNTY SEX OFFENDER COMPLIANCE OPERATION

West Memphis, Arkansas. From August 8, 2022 to August 10, 2022, a large-scale, multijurisdictional team of law enforcement agents conducted a Sex Offender Compliance Operation in Crittenden County.

Agents with the Department of Community Correction’s Sex Offender Services Unit led the Operation, which consisted of agents from nearly a dozen agencies:

Arkansas Fusion Center.
Arkansas Attorney General’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit.
Arkansas Department of Corrections, Division of Community Correction (Area 9 Probation and Parole, Area 4 Probation and Parole, Sex Offender Services Unit, and Special Response Team.
Arkansas National Guard.
Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office.
Human Trafficking Training Center.
Jonesboro Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Unit.
Marion Police Department.
National Child Protection Task Force.
Second Judicial District Drug Task Force.
West Memphis Police Department, including the West Memphis Violent Crimes Suppression Unit.
And United States Marshal Service.

Prosecuting Attorney Keith L. Chrestman requested the Operation.

On Monday, August 8, 2022, Comprehensive Law Enforcement Teams from the participating Agencies began conducting early morning consent searches at each registered sex offender’s residence. The visits to the registered sex offender’s homes ensured proper verification as required by Arkansas State Law and enhanced community safety endeavors. Targets included 214 registered sex offenders in Crittenden County with an emphasis on moderate to high-risk sex offenders.

During the Operation, Agents conducted digital on-scene forensic triages of over 35 computers, cellular phones, digital storage data devices, and tablets. Additionally, Agents confiscated at least ten cellular devices, five computers, and six USB storage devices and executed multiple search warrants for unregistered social media accounts.

Agents arrested 14 people during the Operation. Those arrested were charged with various offenses, including possession of child sexual material, firearm possession, drug possession, and failure to comply with registration requirements. One person—a Level 3 Sex Offender—was arrested for residing within 2,000 feet of a school.

Press Release Adapted