Scott County Sheriff’s Office launches countywide sex offender compliance operation
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
SCOTT COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Scott County Sheriff’s Office joined local, state and federal law enforcement agencies Monday, Oct. 19, for a countywide operation aimed at ensuring registered sex offenders are complying with Missouri law.
The operation, called Operation M.A.C.E. (Multi-Agency Compliance Enforcement), involved approximately 30 officers divided into six teams.
According to Sheriff Derick Wheetley, the goal was to conduct compliance checks at the registered addresses of all 149 registered sex offenders in Scott County.
Participating agencies included:
– Scott County Sheriff’s Office
– U.S. Marshals Service
– U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
– New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office
– Sikeston Department of Public Safety
– Miner Police Department
The unannounced operation was designed to verify that registered sex offenders were living at their reported addresses, that vehicles they owned or operated were properly registered and that other required information was accurate and up to date.
As of Monday afternoon, officers had identified several potential registration violations.
The sheriff’s office said probable cause statements are expected to be submitted to the Scott County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review and consideration of criminal charges, if warranted.
“Sex offender registration laws exist for a reason, and our responsibility is to make sure those laws are being followed,” Wheetley said. “This was a planned surprise operation because we wanted to verify firsthand that offenders are living where they claim to be living and that the information they are required by law to report is accurate.”
Wheetley said the department is taking a proactive approach to enforcement rather than relying solely on registration paperwork.
“We are not simply relying on paperwork or taking someone’s word for it. We are putting officers on the ground, checking addresses, verifying information, and investigating potential violations,” Wheetley said.
Authorities planned to complete checks involving all 149 registered sex offenders by the end of Monday, with additional investigations and follow-up checks continuing Tuesday, Oct. 20, if necessary.
Wheetley also thanked the participating agencies for providing personnel and resources to support the operation.
The sheriff’s office said it plans to continue conducting announced and unannounced compliance checks throughout the county.
Additional information is expected to be released as the operation concludes and any resulting criminal investigations move forward.
