Scott County Sheriff’s Office arrests registered sex offender for registry violation
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
SCOTT COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Scott County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a registered sex offender accused of failing to comply with Missouri sex offender registration requirements.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies received information Jan. 21 indicating a registered sex offender may have temporarily relocated outside Scott County without proper notification. An investigation determined the individual had left Scott County for an extended period that constituted an established temporary residence in Pemiscot County and failed to report the change as required by law.
Missouri law requires registered sex offenders to report any change of residence, including temporary residences, within three business days to the chief law enforcement official of the county or city where the offender is registered.
As a result of the investigation, Earl Robert Wheetley, 66, of Sikeston, was taken into custody Feb. 3 and charged with failure to register as a sex offender, a Class E felony. A warrant was issued, and bond was set at $20,000 cash or surety. Authorities said Wheetley has since posted bond and was released pending court proceedings.
Sheriff Derick Wheetley said the sheriff’s office takes sex offender registry compliance seriously and will continue to enforce registration requirements to help ensure public safety.
