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Data growing on sex offenders
By Candice Combs Staff Writer
Local investigators say they are getting a first real glimpse into what Hamilton Countys convicted sex offenders have been up to since their re lease from probation or prison.
"The more information we have, the better off we are and the better chance we have to solve crime," said Chief Steve Parks of the Chattanooga Police Department. "It gives us potential leads in future cases."
A new state law requires that anyone convicted of certain crimes, including rape and exploitation of a child, who lives, works or goes to school in Hamilton County check in with local authorities. About 100 people have updated their files, with 219 left to check, according to Sheriff John Cupp.
If those convicted sex offenders do not register soon, felony warrants will be issued with their names on them, Sheriff Cupp said. For aa first-offensefirst - offense firstoffense violation of the registration law, an offender will go to jail for 90 days, he said.
The law went into effect Aug. 1 and requires stricter monitoring for sexual predators, according to Jeanne Broadwell, a spokeswoman for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Those convicted of sex crimes now must register: Name, address, telephone number, vehicle or boat information, and the closest living relative.
Any employment that involves working with minors.
Any secondary residences in Tennessee.
If there is a change in work, living or school status within 48 hours.
If any information is false, a sex offender can be charged with felony perjury, Ms. Broadwell said.
There are 6,470 known sex offenders living in Tennessee, and updated files are being sent electronically to the TBI daily for a statewide database, Ms. Broadwell said. The TBI handed over the duty of gatheringgath - gath- ering information from the offenders, who under the old law provided information only through mailings, she said.
"Local investigators are meeting these people. They are getting the first-handf irst - hand irst-hand information," Ms. Broadwell said. "And these people are coming out of the woodwork."
E-mail Candice Combs at ccombs@timesfreepress.com This story was published Thursday, September 02, 2004
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