Ads publicize unregistered sex offenders
New advertising campaign targets sex offenders
by Allen Powell, The Times Picayune
Friday May 02, 2008, 9:30 AM
Local police agencies and a watchdog group have teamed up to launch an advertising campaign seeking the public’s help in locating sex offenders who have failed to keep up with the requirements of Louisiana law.
The New Orleans Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Kenner Police and Crimestoppers today announced the new campaign, meant to publicize the names, pictures and charges for nearly 60 sex offenders who have failed to meet the registration requirements set by law.
An ad detailing that information will run in the Times-Picayune on Monday, the group said.
The agencies estimate that about 231 sex offenders in the three jurisdictions currently are not in compliant. Often, these individuals do not notify law enforcement agencies about their current addresses or give addresses that turn out to be incorrect.
Darlene Cusanza, the executive director of Crimestoppers, said the organization is using the ad as a pilot program based on similar programs in other cities. She said that the agency is offering residents a $500 reward for any information that leads to an arrest.
“This is an important project for us and we hope that the citizens will take this seriously,” Cusanza said.