Jan. 21, 2025- DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office Tuesday announced its support for Senate Bill 2207, the Sex Offender Accountability Act, a legislative proposal that aims to enhance public safety by providing prosecutors with more discretion to take action against convicted sex offenders who fail to register with the state while out on bond.
The bill, introduced by state Sen. Michael McLendon (R-Hernando), is a direct response to the growing concern that some convicted sex offenders continue to pose a danger to public safety by evading registration requirements, particularly while out on bond for failure to register charges. The legislation seeks to give prosecutors the tools necessary to take swift, decisive action to hold these offenders accountable and prevent further harm to the community.
District Attorney Matthew Barton (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
“This bill is a critical step toward closing the gaps in our current system and holding convicted sexual predators accountable,” said District Attorney Matthew Barton. “When a convicted sex offender fails to register, they are sending a clear message that they are unwilling to abide by the laws meant to protect our communities. The Sex Offender Accountability Act gives us the legal authority to respond swiftly and decisively, ensuring that these individuals are held accountable.”
Under current law, convicted sex offenders are required to register with the state, allowing law enforcement and the public to track their whereabouts and criminal history. However, offenders who fail to comply with this obligation while out on bond can evade detection and remain a continued threat to the community. Senate Bill 2207 will provide prosecutors with increased authority to take immediate legal action against those offenders, including the ability to request higher bonds, seek pretrial detention, or pursue enhanced penalties for non-compliance.
The Act modifies the sentencing structure for sex offenders who fail to register, increasing the minimum sentence from five years to five years and one day. This change is critical because it triggers the application of Article 29 of the Mississippi Constitution, which allows prosecutors an avenue to revoke a defendant’s bond if they reoffend while out on bond.
“This legislation allows us to tighten up the statute so that sex offenders who fail to comply with mandatory registration laws do not fall through the cracks,” said McLendon. “This bill gives prosecutors the tools they need to keep communities safe and prevent dangerous predators from avoiding accountability.”
Barton is calling on lawmakers to move quickly to pass the bill, noting that every day that a convicted sex offender evades responsibility is another day of increased risk to the public.
