More detailed information will be required from those convicted of sex or violent crimes that will now be made available to the public.
For several years, these offenders have been required to pay an annual fee of $50, as well as an additional $5 to update their address on Bartholomew County’s Sex or Violent Offender Registry.
But under an ordinance amendment given final approval Monday by the Bartholomew County Commissioners, those offenders must also include if they work locally, attend classes in the Columbus area or volunteer in Bartholomew County. In addition, they are required to list all secondary residences.
Each change that occurs between annual registrations will require an additional $5 fee, according to Rudy Olivo, a retired police officer who handles the registry for the sheriff’s department.
Both the $50 annual fee and $5 for changes are the maximum amounts allowed for collection under Indiana law.
During a public hearing Monday, no comments were made regarding the new amendments to the ordinance. However, commissioner Larry Kleinhenz said on Oct. 2 that he was concerned the proposed changes would discourage offenders.
“Our only concern is that we want people to register as they move and have different employers,” Kleinhenz said. “We don’t want to make it more difficult if we raise the price.”
The commissioner also said early this month that a number of sex and violent offenders don’t register as required. In response, Sheriff’s Capt. Chris Roberts assured the commissioners that Olivo has been working diligently to notify the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s office regarding those who are not complying with state and local laws.
Two weeks late, Kleinhenz said all of his initial questions have been addressed, adding he no longer has the same concerns that he expressed earlier this month.
The state mandates 10 percent of all fees be transferred to Indianapolis for administering the Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry. Most counties use their remaining funds to defray costs associated with the paperwork, use of equipment and the mandatory annual training for office and investigative registry staffs.
The amendment also establishes a Bartholomew County sex or violent offender administration fund to hold monies collected through these fees.
The ordinance is effective immediately after it is published as required by law.
Where to learn more
To search Bartholomew County’s Sex or Violent Offender registry, go online to icrimewatch.net/Indiana. Select Bartholomew County and follow the instructions.
If you have any questions, call: 812-565-5934 or e-mail Rudy Olivo at [email protected]
Where to learn more
To search Bartholomew County’s Sex or Violent Offender registry, go online to icrimewatch.net/Indiana. Select Bartholomew County and follow the instructions.
If you have any questions, call: 812-565-5934 or e-mail Rudy Olivo at [email protected]
