WASHINGTON COUNTY –  In an ongoing operation culminating over the past weekend, the St. George Police Department, along with the U.S. Marshal’s Office and multiple other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, participated in a joint effort to verify compliance on every registered sex offender currently required to register in cities throughout Washington County and Iron County. The US Marshal’s Office was the lead agency. Each participating agency was tasked with visiting the sex offenders in their respective jurisdictions.

In total, 158 registered sex offenders were visited and their compliance to their registration terms was confirmed, including approximately 90 in St. George City. Some offenders, however, were not in compliance and they will face charges as a result. Two arrests were made relating to non compliance and charges will be filed on others. One offender was arrested on a warrant for rape of a child out of the Salt Lake area. One runaway juvenile was located and returned home. Two cell phones and two computers were seized and their search could lead to possible charges.

The following law enforcement agencies participated: US Marshals, St. George Police Department, US Marshal’s Joint Criminal Apprehension Team, Immigration Customs Enforcement, Utah Attorney General’s Office, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Utah Adult Probation and Parole, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Iron County Sheriff’s Office, Ivins Police Department, Laverkin Police Department, and Santa Clara Police Department.

For information on searching for and identifying registered sex offenders in your area go to: www.corrections.utah.gov/services/sonar.html