Publishing the Registered Sex Offenders

About six weeks ago, I proposed adding a new feature to this newspaper: a clear, accessible listing of registered sex offenders living in and around Robertson County. The idea was simple, but important. Yes, most people can go online to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and search the statewide registry. But the reality is that many in our community either do not know how, do not have the access, or never think to check. Newspapers—especially community newspapers—exist to provide information people need but may not seek out on their own.

Like many of you, I am a parent. Many of our readers are parents and grandparents. And one thing I know we all share is a desire to protect our children. You cannot protect what you do not know. You cannot watch for what you cannot see. My intent with this feature is not sensationalism; it is awareness. It is simply knowing your surroundings and understanding who lives in your neighborhood, who lives down the road, who your children may encounter at the store, in a public space, or at a friend’s home.

Let me make something very clear: to be on the sex offender registry, a person must be convicted of a qualifying sex crime and ordered by the court to register. This is not guesswork, rumor, or accusation. It is a legal requirement backed by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Being on the registry is a matter of public record.

I personally recognize several of the individuals on the list—some whose cases I covered as a reporter, and others whose convictions were publicly known long before this feature ever existed. I also know of at least a couple of individuals who have not updated their addresses or registration information with the Texas DPS as required. Failure to register is a felony in Texas, yet reporting these lapses does not always result in immediate action. Maybe this feature will help shine more light on those gaps.

And to any law enforcement officer reading this: if you want a list of the people I’m referring to, come by the office. Two names come to mind immediately, and I could produce a few more with very little effort.

The feature is now ready, and you will find it each week under the jail log. Before it begins, I want to be absolutely clear on a few points: This list is for informational purposes only.

Harassing or threatening anyone on the registry is against the law, and this newspaper will not encourage, support, or tolerate vigilantism of any kind. Every name and address we publish comes directly and exclusively from the Texas DPS Sex Offender Registry. It is current as of the date we go to press.

At present, Robertson County has 84 registered sex offenders, covering a wide range of offenses. My first thought was to begin with the most heinous cases, but after reviewing them, I decided alphabetical order was the most straightforward—and the least stomach-turning—approach.

When I first posed this idea six weeks ago, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Readers, parents, and law enforcement officers alike supported the effort. Not surprisingly, I also received two threats, including one death threat. I do appreciate a creative death threat now and then—though I would be curious to know where that particular individual lands alphabetically on the list. That would at least tell me whether I should hide for a day or two. (Just kidding. I don’t hide. And it wasn’t even my first death threat this year.)

I also received a heartfelt letter urging me to begin the feature immediately. I apologize that it took a few weeks to compile, verify, and format everything properly. When we ran a similar column at The Silsbee Bee, the response was nearly identical—minus the death threat, which I suppose is an improvement.

So, without further buildup, the new weekly feature begins today. For the next 84 weeks—one name at a time—you will find it on Page 2.

Information protects. Awareness empowers. And community newspapers are here to keep you informed.