Sex Offenders

Under Megan's Law, each state and the federal government are compelled to register individuals who have been convicted of sex crimes against children. And each state and the federal government have to make private and personal information on convicted sex offenders available to the public. Megan's Law arms the public with certain information on the whereabouts of dangerous sex offenders so that local communities may protect themselves and their children. The law also authorizes local law enforcement to notify the public about high-risk and serious sex offenders who reside in, are employed in, or frequent the community.

Current Registered Sex Offenders

As a result of House Bill 180 (Megan's Law), sex offenders are required to register with the county in which they reside. Any person who is found to be a sexual predator, habitual sex offender, or sexual oriented offender, and resides in Gallia County must register with the Gallia County Sheriff's Office.

For additional information see Ohio Revised Code 2950.01

Registered Sex Offender Classifications.

Sexual Oriented Offender

Any person convicted of or pleads guilty to committing a sexually oriented offense as defined in Ohio Revised Code number 2950.01, which includes rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, regardless of the age the victim. Some other offenses include kidnapping, abduction, unlawful restraint, criminal child enticement, corruption of a minor, compelling prostitution, endangering children (victim under 18 years of age), pandering obscenity, minor pandering sexually oriented material, illegal use of minor in nudity-oriented material/perform.

Sexual Oriented Offenders must register with this office once a year for ten years.

Habitual Sexual Offender

Any person who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a sexually oriented offense and who previously has been convicted of or has pled guilty to one or more sexually oriented offenses.

Habitual Sex Offenders must register with this office once a year for 20 years. If a judge rules, community notification may occur. The offender must return to our office in one year to verify his/her address.

New Under "Senate Bill 5" (Effective 01-01-04)

Habitual Child Victim Offender

A Habitual Child Victim Offender is defined as a person who has been convicted of, or pleaded guilty to committing a Sexually Oriented Offense, on a person, under eighteen (18) years of age, not the child of the person, and who previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one or more Sexually Oriented Offenses. Offenders designated as Habitual Child Victim Offenders are subject to registration/verification requirements annually for a period of 20 (twenty) years after release.

Sexual Predator

Any person who has been convicted of or has pled guilty to committing a sexually oriented offense and is likely to engage in the future in one or more sexually oriented offenses.

Sexual Predators must register with this office every 90 days for life. The Sheriff's Office will also require a vehicle license plate number, and also verify the home address of an offender within seven days of registering with this office. Community notification will occur with every sexual predator each time the predator registers

Child Victim Predator

A child Victim Predator is defined as a person who has been convicted of, or pleaded guilty to, committing a Sexually Oriented Offense on a person, under eighteen (18) years of age, not the child of the person committing the offense, and who is likely in the future to commit additional Sexually Oriented Offenses. Offenders designated as Child Victim Predators, are subject to registration/verification requirements (90 (ninety) day intervals) for life unless a judge modifies or terminates the Child Victim Predator designation.