Michigan Sex Crime Attorneys Blog
John D. Hunt, a 29-year-old convicted sex offender, was recently wanted by Norwalk and Huron County authorities in Ohio after Hunt failed to report as a sex offender. In 1999, Hunt was charged with criminal sexual conduct in Lansing, Michigan after being investigated by Lansing police. He was convicted on the charge through a Wayne County juvenile court.
News reports indicate that authorities have been searching for Hunt since October. Hunt last registered his address on September 14th, and was living in Marion in September of 2011. However, Hunt allegedly had an address most recently in Greenwich on South Railroad Street. A certified letter warning Hunt that he had seven days to register was sent out on September 26th by authorities, according to Norwalk Assistant Law Director Scott Christophel, who stated in news reports that Hunt did not reply to the letter.
Christophel also told reporters that Huron County sheriff’s deputies were not successful in their attempts to personally contact Hunt, and that they tried on three occasions. Hunt pleaded guilty in Huron County Common Pleas Court to attempted failure to register as a sex offender in June of 2011 following a 2010 incident that allegedly took place sometime between September and November of that year. Hunt had moved to Huron County in 2004, but his registered address was shown to be Greenwich, which authorities disproved.
Hunt was ordered to register his address until April of 2014 by Judge Jim Conway in October of 2011. Hunt was sentenced to two years probation and a $250 fine, and was credited for 36 days in the Huron County Jail which were already served. Now, Hunt could face up to 18 months in prison if found in violation of his probation terms.
Michigan sex offender registry defense attorneys understand the seriousness of failing to notify authorities of an address change. Convicted sex offenders are usually required to register, however the restrictions placed on these individuals can have a devastating impact on their lives. Individuals lose the freedom to choose where they live, are often disqualified for government programs or student loans, and may find it extremely difficult to secure employment.
If you have been arrested for any sex-related offense or have failed to register, contact an aggressive and capable Michigan sex crimes lawyer immediately.