Cole County deputies performed compliance checks on 149 registered sex offenders throughout Cole County and Jefferson City on Halloween night. Eleven of the 149 were deemed non-compliant, according to a news release from the Cole County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies are following up with those 11 individuals to see if they had just cause for not staying at home on Halloween night when required, according to the news release.
"Once these investigations are complete, any offender found to be non-compliant will have a warrant application submitted to the Cole County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review and possible charges," the release said.
Missouri law mandates that anyone who has been required to register as a sex offender since August 28, 2008, must follow certain restrictions on Halloween to avoid a Class A misdemeanor. According to state statute, individuals must:
- Avoid all Halloween-related contact with children
- Remain inside their residence from 5-10:30 p.m. unless required to be elsewhere for just cause, including but not limited to employment or medical emergencies
- Post a sign at their residence stating, 'No candy or treats at this residence'
- Leave all outside residential lighting off during the evening hours after 5 p.m.
Registered sex offenders are told of these restrictions upon registration, where they must sign an agreement acknowledging the law.