(COLUMBUS, Ohio) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today reminded residents that Ohio's new arson registry is now active.
The registry is maintained and managed by the Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and is a requirement of Senate Bill 70, which was signed into law in December.
"We hope this new registry will serve as a valuable investigative tool for law enforcement and fire officials," said Attorney General DeWine. "Now, investigators will be able to look at an arson scene and quickly determine if any convicted arsonists live nearby."
The law requires that anyone convicted of arson, aggravated arson, or an arson-related offense register their address with their county sheriff's office. The offender must register once a year for life.
The database is part of the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway (OHLEG) and is only accessible to law enforcement and fire investigators.
Each offender will be required to pay a $50 fee for their initial registration and $25 each following year. The funds will be spent on maintenance of the system.
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Media Contacts:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Jill Del Greco: 614-466-3840