County Conducts Sex Offender Compliance Check

Press release

On March 19, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office conducted a check of sex offenders who are registered in the unincorporated areas of Henderson County. There are a total of 167 offenders registered within the Sheriff’s Office area of responsibility. A number of those are currently incarcerated and/or are registered to two homes (ie: weekend homes). Thursday, 146 individuals were investigated for compliance.

The checks were comprehensive and unannounced. The checks were coordinated by the Sheriff’s Office, US. Marshals Service Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force and DPS Criminal Investigation Division. A team of 34 officers from nine local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies participated in the check.

Of the 146 offenders checked, eight possible compliance violations were detected and one person was arrested. Sex offender compliance for the county is tasked to Sex Offender Compliance Deputy Jannell Dunnington. Violations of a Henderson County offenders duty to register are investigated by the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Dunnington will seek arrest warrants for those in violation and will present criminal cases to the Henderson County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Violations of an offender’s duty to register are felonies which can range from a State jail felony up to a first degree felony depending on the violation and enhancements.

During the check, a team consisting of HCSO Deputy Brad Beddingfield, HCSO Investigator Robert Powers and Texas DPS Special Agent Josh Roraback contacted offender Kevin Ingram. During the course of that contact, Ingram was found to be in possession of a small quantity of suspected methamphetamine. Ingram was arrested and transported to the Henderson County Jail where he was booked in for Possession of a Controlled Substance PG < 1 C. If convicted of the State Jail Felony charge Ingram could face up to 2 years in a State Jail Facility and up to a $10,000 fine.