Megan’s Law Helpline and the Sex Offender Registration Tips (SORT) enables community members to report potential sex offender violations, including failure to register, violation of employment or residency restriction laws, or parole or probation violations of offenders in positions of trust with children. According to a recent Citizen Times article, the tip line is operated by Parents for Megan’s Law (PFML) and the Crime Victims Center and funded by the U.S. Department of Justice. It has recently expanded into North Carolina.

Tip Line and Website

Tips can be reported via a toll-free number or on the Web. Laura Aheam, executive director for PFML, explained that retired law enforcement professionals with over 40 years of investigative and supervisory experience review the tips. The PFML website states that upon confirmation of the information provided, the complaint will be forwarded to the appropriate agency for follow up. Aheam claims that nationwide, these tips have resulted in identification of registered sex offenders who are out of compliance as well as offenders working in positions of trust with children. She also states that PFML works in collaboration with Facebook and MySpace to remove registered offenders from their social networking sites.

Registrants who may be out of compliance can contact their county sheriff or federal reporting agency. It is a felony offense to fail to report; registrants who have concerns should contact an attorney for counsel on remaining in compliance and for defense if they are facing charges of registration violation. Criminal defense lawyers at Roberts Law Group PLLC provided skilled representation to those facing North Carolina sex offense charges, including failure to register. Contact the law firm by visiting the firm’s website at www.preparemydefense.com.