(SPRINGFIELD, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine is thanking the public for their help locating a convicted sex offender who had left the state.
On Tuesday, as part of Attorney General DeWine's Crimes Against Children Initiative, he and Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly asked for help finding Justin Lee Scott, a Sexually Oriented Offender who stopped registering his address with Clark County authorities in January.
Less than a few hours later, Sheriff Kelly said his office received a tip that Scott was living in Lexington, Kentucky, and officers there took him into custody this morning.
"This man sexually abused a child, and thanks to teamwork between the public and law enforcement, he is back in custody," said Attorney General DeWine. "Sex offenders must register their addresses, and if they disregard the law and refuse to register, we're going to go after them."
Scott served six months in jail in 2003 on his original charge of unlawful sexual contact with a minor. Public records show Scott was then convicted in 2008, 2009, and 2011 for failure to register his address.
"Law enforcement today must work together at every level," said Sheriff Kelly. "Criminals know no bounds and are able to use every form of mobility in their fruitless attempt to escape the consequences for their actions."
Scott is currently in the Fayette County, Kentucky, Jail awaiting extradition back to Ohio on a charge of failure to provide a change of address. A grant provided by the Attorney General's Office reimburses local law enforcement agencies for expenses incurred while bringing wanted sex offenders back to Ohio.
As part of the Crimes Against Children Initiative, Attorney General DeWine will publicize convicted sex offenders who have victimized children and are wanted on outstanding warrants. Other parts of the initiative include the establishment of a Crimes Against Children Unit at BCI, creation of a rapid response team for crimes against children, and specialized law enforcement training through BCI and the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA).
Media Contacts:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Jill Del Greco: 614-466-3840